CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Illinois Football's 7-3 start has brought increased NFL interest for seniors on Bret Bielema's roster, according to the Illini head coach.

Following the Michigan State game, Bielema said he speaks with NFL scouts daily, advising them to give receiver Pat Bryant a draft grade one round higher than wherever they have him.

On Thursday, November 22, Bielema said Bryant's strong season has had a big impact on how he's viewed as a next-level prospect.

"Pat's been a good player for a number of years, but he's obviously taken his play to a different level," Bielema said.

"The NFL scouts that come through here the way they're talking about Pat about where they see him in this year's draft is just dramatically increased from where he was a year ago. So I think it's a great indicator, hey, you just need one year of playing really good football and you can be amazed to see what things can happen."

Bielema also said that Bryant isn't the only player who's draft stock that's risen in the past year.

"TeRah Edwards went from a guy last year who was Denzel (Daxon)'s backup to now a guy that people are talking about drafting. I mean, those are really cool moments."