Every Wisconsin high-school alum taken in the NFL Draft since 1990

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Every Wisconsin high-school alum taken in the NFL Draft since 1990

JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel · Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Mon, Apr 27, 2026 ·

40 min read

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Six Wisconsin high school alums were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh April 23-25, tying the mark for most Wisconsin high-school products selected in one draft since the turn of the century.

Here's a look at each of them, who drafted them and a list of past NFL drafts to see where Wisconsin high school alums have landed since 1990 – plus other first-round picks from Wisconsin throughout history:

2026

Michigan tight end Max Bredeson (44) warms up ahead of the Purdue game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Max Bredeson, fullback (Arrowhead), Minnesota Vikings (No. 159)

He began his college career as a walk-on at Michigan and left as a two-time captain who helped the program win a national championship in 2023. He was the first fullback selected in 2026, in the fifth round, and nearly surpassed older brother Ben (No. 143 in 2020).

Sep 20, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Billy Schrauth (74) sings the alma mater after beating the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Billy Schrauth, guard (St. Mary's Springs), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 160)

Back-to-back Wisconsinite picks, you say? The guard who played at Notre Dame hails from Campbellsport. Schrauth started his final two seasons with the Fighting Irish, though his 2025 campaign was cut short after seven games due to a knee injury, but he did earn second-team All-American honors from one publication.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Riley Nowakowski, tight end (Milwaukee Marquette), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 169)

Nowakowski, also taken in the fifth round, played in the Badgers program for five seasons, then transferred to Indiana where he was part of a dominant national-championship team. He started his career as an outside linebacker at UW.

Texas Tech defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard returns an interception for a touchdown against Kent State, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Skyler Gill-Howard, defensive tackle (Greenfield), Detroit Lions (No. 205)

Gill-Howard, a sixth-round pick, started his career at Division II Upper Iowa then spent three seasons at Northern Illinois. He played his final season at Texas Tech.

Cole Wisniewski, safety (Sparta), Philadelphia Eagles (No. 244)

Wisniewski, a seventh-round pick , played three seasons at North Dakota State, then missed his fourth season with a foot injury. He transferred to Texas Tech for the 2025 season and started 14 games, making 78 tackles.

Northwestern offensive lineman and Appleton North graduate Evan Beerntsen (60) was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round.

Evan Beerntsen, guard (Appleton North), Baltimore Ravens (No. 253)

If he makes the roster, he would be the first player in Appleton North's history to reach the NFL. He played college football at Northwestern and was four picks away from the coveted "Mr. Irrelevant" moniker, given to the last pick of the last round.

2025

Chimere Dike , wide receiver (Waukesha North), Tennessee Titans (No. 103)

After four years as one of the top receivers with the University of Wisconsin , Dike played his final season of eligibility with Florida and wound up getting taken with the first pick of the fourth round, leading off Day 3 of the NFL Draft proceedings in Green Bay . Then, he made the most of it, breaking the NFL rookie record for all-purpose yards and getting named to the Pro Bowl as a special-teamer.

Purdue Boilermakers offensive lineman Marcus Mbow (63) high-fives a fan Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, during the NCAA football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.

Marcus Mbow, offensive line (Wauwatosa East), New York Giants (No. 154)

He played 12 games at right tackle for Purdue in 2024 and left for the draft with eligibility still on the table. In his rookie year, he started three games and appeared in 12 overall for the Giants.

Jack Nelson, offensive line (Stoughton), Atlanta Falcons (No. 218)

The longtime left tackle for the Badgers started 50 games on the offensive line over the past four seasons at UW. He appeared in 10 games as a rookie.

Hunter Wohler , safety (Muskego), Indianapolis Colts (No. 232)

A fixture in the Badgers secondary over four seasons, Wohler could have entertained leaving for the draft a year earlier. He suffered a foot injury in the preseason that kept him from making his NFL debut in 2025.

2024

Tanor Bortolini , offensive line (Kewaunee), Indianapolis Colts (No. 117)

He started five games and played in 12 overall as a rookie with the Colts, then started 16 in 2025 as he became a fixture on the Colts line. The University of Wisconsin alumnus demonstrated an ability to play any position on the line, making 34 starts with the Badgers.

Braelon Allen , running back (Fond du Lac), New York Jets (No. 134)

After an impressive three seasons with Wisconsin, Allen became the youngest player drafted in 2024, then appeared in 17 games for the Jets in his age-20 season. He ran for 334 yards on 92 carries and scored twice in his rookie season, with another 148 receiving yards and a score. In year 2, an MCL sprain limited him to four games. He ran for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Tejhaun Palmer , wide receiver (Brown Deer), Arizona Cardinals (No. 191)

Drafted out of Alabama-Birmingham, Palmer didn't see game action in 2024 but did have a role on the Cardinals practice squad, and he appeared in one NFL game with the Cardinals in 2025.

2023

Will McDonald, defensive end (Waukesha North), New York Jets (No. 15)

A rare athlete who emerged as a great story became a force at Iowa State and rose to the No. 15 pick overall, becoming the first Iowa State player selected in the first round since 1973. He played in 15 games as a rookie and has 47 games over three years, racking up 21½ sacks with 48 quarterback hits.

Keeanu Benton , defensive lineman (Janesville Craig), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 49)

The standout lineman played in 46 games for the Badgers and wound up taken as a second-round pick. Benton joined a number of former Badgers with Pittsburgh like T.J. Watt , Derek Watt , Isaiahh Loudermilk , Scott Nelson and fellow draft classmate Nick Herbig . Benton started all 17 games last year in his third NFL season, and he has 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and 123 tackles.

Jon Gaines II , offensive lineman (Marquette), Arizona Cardinals (No. 122)

The UCLA alumnus was taken in the fourth round but missed his first season with injury. In 2024, he played in 13 games for the Cardinals, then played in all 17 last year, with five starts.

2022

Luke Goedeke , offensive lineman (Valders), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 57)

The offensive tackle from Central Michigan, whose career began as a tight end at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, heard his name called in the second round, giving him a chance to block for perhaps the game's greatest ever, quarterback Tom Brady . He's now played in 52 NFL games (49 starts) and signed a lucrative extension before the 2025 season to remain the Bucs' right tackle.

Leo Chenal , linebacker (Grantsburg), Kansas City Chiefs (No. 103)

The Badgers standout left with a year of eligibility remaining after earning the Big Ten's Linebacker of the Year, and he wound up selected in the third round. Four years later, he now has two Super Bowl rings and a runner-up finish, including a sack as a rookie in the Super Bowl and a blocked kick in the next one. He signed with the Commanders before the 2026 season, with 65 NFL regular-season games under his belt.

Logan Bruss , offensive lineman (Kimberly), Los Angeles Rams (No. 104)

The Badgers offensive tackle was named second-team all-conference and went at pick 104, one pick after his teammate, Chenal. The Rams already had Wisconsin alums David Edwards and Rob Havenstein on the offensive line, but Bruss was lost for the season with an ACL tear in the preseason of his rookie year and didn't make his NFL debut until 2024, when he saw the field in 11 games with the Rams and Titans. He didn't appear in a game in 2025.

Jake Ferguson , tight end (Madison Memorial), Dallas Cowboys (No. 129)

After a decorated career at Wisconsin, in which he broke the school record for consecutive games with a reception (all 47 of his career games) and racked up 1,618 receiving yards, Ferguson was taken in the fourth round. He's famously the grandson of former Badgers coach and athletics director Barry Alvarez, but he forged his own name, as well. His career (64 games, 231 receptions, 15 touchdowns) includes a three-touchdown opus in a loss to the Green Bay Packers in the postseason. He's now a two-time Pro Bowler entering the second year of a four-year extension.

Matt Henningsen , defensive tackle (Menomonee Falls), Denver Broncos (No. 206)

The former walk-on became a force on the defensive line for the Badgers, with 42 games played, and he worked his way into a sixth-round pick. He appeared in all 17 games for Denver both of his first two seasons, often on special teams, but injuries have kept him off the field since.

More: Luke Goedeke of Valders High School selected by Tampa Bay, five Wisconsin Badgers picked in rounds 3-7 in the 2022 NFL draft

2021

Quinn Meinerz , offensive line (Hartford), Denver Broncos (No. 98)

The meteoric rise for the UW-Whitewater product remains a steady ascent, now that he's a two-time first-team All-Pro selection. Meinerz first caught the eye of NFL personnel during practices for the Senior Bowl and was selected in the third round. He's now started 73 games over four years, including all 17 the past three years.

Daviyon Nixon , defensive line (Kenosha Indian Trail), Carolina Panthers (No. 158)

Nixon was a pretty good story in his own right, playing one season at Iowa Western Community College before joining Iowa for two seasons and becoming the Big Ten's defensive lineman of the year. He was taken in the fifth round and appeared in 14 games over two seasons.

Cole Van Lanen , offensive line (Bay Port), Green Bay Packers (No. 214)

The Badgers' offensive tackle became a sixth-round selection by his hometown team, and though he spent most of the year on the practice squad, he did see one snap of action during the season before getting traded to Jacksonville , where he appeared in 50 games over the past three seasons.

Chris Garrett , defensive line (Wisconsin Lutheran), Los Angeles Rams (No. 252)

Also drafted outside of Division I, Garrett forged a path that took him to Division II Concordia-St. Paul en route to a seventh-round selection. He appeared in one regular-season game for the Rams.

2020

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) makes an interception against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (not pictured) during the second quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans.

Zack Baun , linebacker (Brown Deer), New Orleans Saints (No. 74)

Baun's breakout came in 2024, when he became a first-team All-Pro selection, finalist for NFL defensive player of the year and had an interception in the Super Bowl as his Philadelphia Eagles won the championship. The offseason signing made a massive impact in his first year with the Eagles after four years in New Orleans , and he was rewarded with a three-year, $51 million contract, and he made the Pro Bowl for a second time in 2025. After a superb senior season with Wisconsin that netted him first-team All-Big Ten honors, Baun was selected in the third round and saw action regularly with New Orleans, but almost entirely on special teams. Philly, meanwhile, saw him as a standout inside linebacker, and the Eagles were right.

James Morgan , quarterback (Ashwaubenon), New York Jets (No. 125)

Morgan, who played at Florida International, was taken in the fourth round. A sneaky prospect who participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl and moved up draft boards, Morgan was waived by the Jets but signed by the Colts before catching on in the USFL.

Ben Bredeson , offensive lineman (Arrowhead), Baltimore Ravens (No. 143)

The standout lineman was part of four state-finalist teams at Arrowhead, then went on to enjoy a strong career at Michigan. He was snatched up in the fourth round and played in 10 games with the Ravens as a rookie in 2020, then made 25 starts with the Giants over three years, plus two playoff games. He started all 17 games for Tampa Bay in 2024 and another 11 in 2025.

Tyler Biadasz , offensive lineman (Amherst), Dallas Cowboys (No. 146)

The Wisconsin multiyear standout entered a situation where he could start right away and replace another former UW star, retiring Travis Frederick . He was taken with the last pick of the fourth round and started four games during the 2020 season before going on injured reserve. He followed up by starting 17 games in 2022 and a Pro Bowl season. After 16 more starts in 2023, he signed with the Washington Commanders, playing in 15 games in 2024 and 16 last year, though he was surprisingly release and landed with the Los Angeles Chargers .

Robert Windsor , defensive tackle (Fond du Lac), Indianapolis Colts (No. 193)

At Penn State, Windsor was named second-team All-Big Ten and earned an invite to the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl. Indianapolis grabbed him in the sixth round. He struggled with major injuries, however, and announced his retirement .

Nate Stanley , quarterback (Menomonie), Minnesota Viking (No. 244)

After a strong career at Iowa, in which he finished second in Iowa history in passing yards and touchdowns, Stanley wound up with the Packers' division rival as a seventh-round selection. He never saw NFL action with the Vikings, however.

2019

Cincinnati Bengals guard Max Scharping (74) holds his child at the conclusion of a Week 18 NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Max Scharping , offensive lineman (Green Bay Southwest), Houston Texans (No. 55)

The 6-6, 327-pounder was a two-time first-team all-Mid-American Conference pick at Northern Illinois, was snagged in the second round and started 33 games over his first three seasons. Last year, he appeared in 14 games with Cincinnati en route to the AFC championship game, then started another 17 in 2023. He played in only two games with Pittsburgh in 2024.

2018

Daurice Fountain , wide receiver (Madison Memorial), Indianapolis Colts (No. 159)

The Colts took him as the lone Wisconsin native draftee in 2018, in the fifth round, and he spent two seasons in Indianapolis before appearing in two games in 2021 for the Chiefs. Fountain had a huge postseason between his final year at Northern Iowa and the draft, earning MVP in the East-West Shrine Game.

2017

T.J. Watt, linebacker (Pewaukee), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 30)

The 2021 defensive player of the year won't be forgotten anytime soon by Packers fans, especially those who clamored for the Green and Gold to draft the Badgers playmaker (and younger brother of Houston Texans star J.J. Watt ). The Packers wound up trading their pick, and the Steelers took Watt with the 30th pick (first round) before the Packers made a selection. Watt has been selected to eight Pro Bowls and finished top-three in the DPOY voting four times.

Ryan Ramczyk, offensive lineman (Stevens Point), New Orleans Saints (No. 32)

The late-blooming offensive lineman who transferred to Wisconsin from UW-Stevens Point became a force on the Badgers' offensive line before getting taken with the final pick of the first round, No. 32. He became a three-time All-Pro selection (including first team in 2019) but announced his retirement after injuries cost him all of 2024.

Vince Biegel , linebacker (Wisconsin Rapids), Green Bay Packers (No. 108)

Instead of Watt or Ramczyk, the Packers took another Badgers linebacker in the fourth round. Biegel battled injuries to start his career but started 43 NFL games over four seasons before spending 2022 on injured reserve with the Ravens.

2016

Joe Schobert , linebacker (Waukesha West), Cleveland Browns (No. 99)

Selected with the first pick of the fourth round, Schobert's well-documented story kept adding chapters. The lightly recruited standout at West decided in the final weeks before leaving for college in North Dakota that he would walk on at Wisconsin, turned into a star and wound up in the NFL Pro Bowl. In 2021, he played in 15 games for the Steelers in his sixth NFL season, then appeared in six in 2022 for Tennessee.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 11: Eric Murray #23 of the Houston Texans returns an interception for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at NRG Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Eric Murray, safety (Milwaukee Riverside), Kansas City Chiefs (No. 106)

Murray played with the Houston Texans for the fifth straight season in 2024, appearing in 17 games and returning an interception for a touchdown in the playoffs. He's also played with the Browns and Chiefs, the latter of which grabbed him in the fourth round. He signed a three-year, $22.5 million deal with the Jaguars before the 2025 season and made 12 starts.

Derek Watt, fullback (Pewaukee), San Diego Chargers (No. 198)

The middle Watt brother blocked for former Badgers teammate Melvin Gordon with the Chargers in San Diego for a season after getting taken in the sixth round and two more seasons when the team relocated to Los Angeles. He played the next three years with his brother, T.J., in Pittsburgh, primarily on special teams, though he did have a career high in rushes in 2022 (nine) and his second career rushing touchdown. He has now retired.

2015

Trae Waynes, defensive back (Kenosha Bradford), Minnesota Vikings (No. 11)

After a standout career at Michigan State, Waynes had seven career NFL interceptions in six seasons after the Vikings used the 11th overall pick on the former Bradford standout. He signed with Cincinnati before the 2020 season and missed the year with a torn pectoral muscle, then saw only four games of action in 2021 with hamstring problems. He last played in 2021, though he gets bragging rights over his high school teammate, who was taken four picks later at No. 15.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 31: Running back Melvin Gordon III #33 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after rushing for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Melvin Gordon, running back (Kenosha Bradford), San Diego Chargers (No. 15)

Gordon was a Heisman Trophy finalist for the Badgers and an electric playmaker. He's a two-time Pro Bowler who ran for close to 1,000 yards in 2020 and 2021 and has 19 touchdowns over the past three seasons with the Denver Broncos. He has 55 career NFL touchdowns. Last year, after getting released, he took a job with the Chiefs practice squad and earned a Super Bowl ring. He appeared in four games in 2023 with Baltimore.

2014

Jared Abbrederis , wide receiver (Wautoma), Green Bay Packers (No. 176)

The Packers took Abbrederis in the fifth round, and he wound up catching 10 passes (plus six more in the postseason) over two seasons before injuries cut his time short. He also played briefly with the Lions.

Ben Gardner , linebacker (Homestead), Dallas Cowboys (No. 231)

Beset by a shoulder that kept him from landing a spot on the active roster, the Stanford product nonetheless can call himself an NFL player, having been taken in the seventh round.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 17: Shelby Harris #93 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a tackle during the third quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Shelby Harris , defensive lineman (Homestead), Oakland Raiders (No. 235)

Harris appeared in 48 games with Cleveland over the past three seasons and has continued a solid NFL decade-plus career. He racked up 44 tackles and two sacks in 2022 after he was traded from Denver to Seattle in the deal that sent Russell Wilson to the Rockies. Much like the Kenosha Bradford teammates taken the following year within a span of five picks, the Homestead tandem was taken four picks apart, with the Raiders using the 235th pick on Harris. He had his ups and downs in college, getting kicked off the team at Wisconsin and Illinois State, but he battled back and wound up with a game-clinching blocked kick early in the 2017 season for the Denver Broncos.

2013

Nov 28, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72) in action during the game between the Bills and Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Frederick, offensive lineman (Big Foot), Dallas Cowboys (No. 31)

The first-round pick came out of Wisconsin and became a central part of perhaps the most celebrated offensive line in football. The center was named to four Pro Bowls and twice named second-team All-Pro. He announced his retirement in 2020 after bouncing back from an autoimmune disorder diagnosis.

AJ Klein, linebacker (Kimberly), Carolina Panthers (No. 148)

Klein retired in 2024 after bouncing around in recent years. The fifth-round choice out of Iowa State played in Super Bowl 50 with the Panthers and then signed a three-year deal worth $15 million with the Saints before the 2017 season. He nearly appeared in a second Super Bowl in 2020 with the Bills after seeing action in all 16 games and registering a career-high five sacks, with one nod as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Ricky Wagner, offensive lineman (West Allis Hale), Baltimore Ravens (No. 168)

Needless to say, this was a good draft for Wisconsin kids. Taken in the fifth round, Wagner became a solid NFL right tackle and signed a lucrative five-year deal ($47.5 million) with the Detroit Lions before the 2017 season, then made 13 starts. At the time, it was the richest contract for a right tackle in the league. In 2020, he played with the Packers and made nine starts for the NFC runner-up.

2012

Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71) warms up before the game between Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

Kevin Zeitler, offensive lineman (Wisconsin Lutheran), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 27)

The Bengals drafted the standout guard from Wisconsin who made his first career Pro Bowl in 2023 (with the Ravens) and has played in double-digit games all 14 of his NFL seasons. Zeitler signed a five-year, $60 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2017 (making him the highest-paid guard in the league at the time). He started 16 games for the Lions in 2024 and 16 with the Titans in 2025.

Peter Konz, offensive lineman (Neenah), Atlanta Falcons (No. 55)

Zeitler's fellow member of the Wisconsin offensive line, Konz was taken in the second round and played guard and center before getting released in 2015.

Brandon Brooks, offensive lineman (Milwaukee Riverside), Houston Texans (No. 76)

The third-round pick won a Super Bowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Miami (Ohio) product became a fascinating story after he overcame an anxiety disorder to sustain a strong NFL career and become a Pro Bowler. He signed a four-year, $56 million extension in November 2019 but missed the 2020 season after tearing his Achilles and most of the 2021 season with a pectoral strain. He announced his retirement in January 2022.

Nick Toon, wide receiver (Middleton), New Orleans Saints (No. 122)

The son of former NFL receiver and Badgers standout Al Toon was taken in the fourth round out of Wisconsin and made 21 catches in the NFL with a touchdown before injuries got in the way.

Bradie Ewing, fullback (Richland Center), Atlanta Falcons (No. 157)

Ewing's NFL career was ravaged by injuries, starting in his first camp after he was taken in the fourth round out of Wisconsin. He did see action in three NFL games.

Brad Nortman, punter (Brookfield Central), Carolina Panthers (No. 270)

Another UW product, Nortman was taken in the sixth round and enjoyed a prosperous career, first appearing in Super Bowl 50 with the Carolina Panthers and then signing a four-year deal with Jacksonville in 2016. He played in the 2017 AFC Championship Game.

2011

J.J. Watt, defensive line (Pewaukee), Houston Texans (No. 11)

You may have heard of him. In addition to winning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, matching Lawrence Taylor for the most in NFL history, he's become known for his humanitarian work as well. He announced his retirement after the 2022 season and will be a surefire Hall of Famer.

Gabe Carimi, offensive lineman (Monona Grove), Chicago Bears (No. 29)

The Outland Trophy winner at Wisconsin was considered one of the top offensive linemen in the draft and went in the first round, though he struggled with three teams before finishing his playing career in 2014.

Lance Kendricks, tight end (Milwaukee King), St. Louis Rams (No. 47)

The Rams made him a second-round pick after a strong career at Wisconsin. He played two years with the Packers in 2017 and 2018 and spent his final season in 2019 with the Chargers.

2010

Austen Lane, defensive line (Iola-Scandinavia), Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 153)

Lane was a late-blooming standout at Murray State before getting taken in the fifth round. He made 66 tackles in his NFL career and last saw the field in 2013 with the Lions before moving on to the mixed martial arts circuit.

2009

DeAndre Levy, linebacker (Milwaukee Vincent), Detroit Lions (No. 76)

Taken out of Wisconsin, Levy fashioned an excellent career with the Lions, though the team released him in 2017 ( and subsequently became engaged in an injury dispute with Levy ). Levy was named second-team All-Pro in 2014.

Kraig Urbik, offensive lineman (Hudson), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 79)

The third-round pick out of Wisconsin spent nine seasons in the NFL. The offensive guard played with three teams, with the bulk of his career spent with the Bills.

Travis Beckum, tight end (Oak Creek), New York Giants (No. 100)

Like the two above him, Beckum was a Badgers standout, and the Giants grabbed him in the third round. Beckum saw time in 44 NFL games and won a Super Bowl with the Giants in early 2012 but tore an ACL in that game and it was the last time he was on the field.

Nick Schommer, safety (Prescott), Tennessee Titans (No. 242)

The seventh-round pick out of North Dakota State saw action in 13 games in 2010.

2008

Jack Ikegwuonu, cornerback (Madison Memorial), Philadelphia Eagles (No. 131)

After a major knee injury cost him all of the 2008 season, he was finally able to appear in one NFL game before getting waived. In 2015, he and his twin brother were sentenced to 10 years in prison for armed robbery .

Nick Hayden, defensive tackle (Arrowhead), Carolina Panthers (No. 181)

Today, he's an Arrowhead assistant coach, but he had a nice run in the NFL after getting taken in the sixth round. He played in 76 games, including every one from 2013 through 2015 with the Dallas Cowboys. He has two sacks, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown.

2007

Sep 17, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas (73) walks off the field after the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Browns 24-10 at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Thomas, offensive lineman (Brookfield Central), Cleveland Browns (No. 3)

You may know this guy, too. The Browns left tackle didn't miss a play (or a Pro Bowl) until the 2017 season, when a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him. Then, in the following offseason, the future Hall of Famer announced his retirement. The former Badgers standout never played in the NFL playoffs but will forever be recognized as one of the best offensive linemen ever. The Browns have struggled in the draft, but the third pick overall in 2007 was well-spent. In 2023, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Doug Free, offensive lineman (Manitowoc Lincoln), Dallas Cowboys (No. 122)

With the aforementioned Frederick, Free was another key piece of football's premier offensive line as recently as 2016 before announcing his own retirement in March 2017. He spent his entire career with the Cowboys, playing left and right tackle. Drafted out of Northern Illinois in the fourth round.

Derek Stanley, wide receiver (Verona), St. Louis Rams (No. 249)

The seventh-rounder came from UW-Whitewater, a Division III powerhouse. He made his debut in 2007 against the Packers with a kick return, and he played in 15 NFL games, with an 80-yard touchdown reception as well as several kick and punt returns.

2006

Brian Calhoun, running back (Oak Creek), Detroit Lions (No. 74)

The third-round pick tore his ACL to short-circuit his rookie season and career, in general. He appeared in 11 NFL games and was a second-team All-American at Wisconsin.

2005

Dan Buenning, offensive lineman (Bay Port), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 107)

The fourth-round choice out of Wisconsin played in 36 NFL games for the Bucs and Bears, largely at left guard.

2004

John Navarre, quarterback (Cudahy), Arizona Cardinals (No. 202)

The lone quarterback to play prep football in Wisconsin and get drafted since the turn of the century, Navarre still holds the University of Michigan records for completions and passing yards in a season. The seventh-round pick playedin five NFL games over three years.

Casey Cramer, fullback (Middleton), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 228)

The seventh-rounder played with Carolina, Tennessee and Miami (36 games), once earning NFL Special Teams Player of the Week after blocking a punt and recovering a fumble with the Titans in 2006. He played college football at Dartmouth.

Erik Jensen, tight end (Appleton East), St. Louis Rams (No. 237)

Jensen was taken in the seventh round and never made it into a game but did spend time with a number of franchises (49ers, Steelers, Cowboys, Bengals). He was on the Steelers' practice squad in 2005 for a Super Bowl XL victory and earned a ring. He played college football at Iowa.

Derek Abney, wide receiver/kick returner (D.C. Everest), Baltimore Ravens (No. 244)

The University of Kentucky product was taken in the seventh round, and though he never played in a regular-season game, he spent some time in the organizations of the Ravens and Bears. He won a state title with undefeated D.C. Everest as a senior.

2003

Al Johnson, offensive lineman (Southern Door), Dallas Cowboys (No. 39)

Drafted in the second round in the same year that his UW teammate and cousin, Ben, was selected in the seventh round by the Lions. Played 66 games with three NFL teams and is currently the head coach at East Central University.

BJ Tucker, cornerback (Nicolet), Dallas Cowboys (No. 178)

The sixth-round choice was born in Sierra Leone and was also a huge track and field sprinting star both in high school and with Wisconsin. He saw game action with the 49ers in 2005 and 2006.

Ben Johnson, offensive lineman (Southern Door), Detroit Lions (No. 216)

The seventh-rounder also spent time with the Bears and Chargers.

2002

Lamar Gordon, running back (Cudahy), St. Louis Rams (No. 84)

The third-round pick out of North Dakota State was a backup for two seasons to Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, then backed up Brian Westbrook in Philadelphia. He finished with five career touchdowns.

Nick Greisen, linebacker (Sturgeon Bay), New York Giants (No. 152)

The fifth-rounder out of Wisconsin played in 98 games in the NFL, including time with Jacksonville and Baltimore. He finished his career with an interception, five forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and 200 tackles.

2001

Michael Bennett, running back (Bradley Tech), Minnesota Vikings (No. 27)

The speedster was taken in the first round and made the Pro Bowl in 2002. He was also a member of the Wisconsin track team, with a blistering 4.13 in the 40-yard dash on record, and his 1998 runs at the state track and field meet (10.33 in the 100, 20.68 in the 200) are still state records. He bounced around in the NFL but finished with 3,703 career yards.

Casey Rabach, offensive lineman (Sturgeon Bay), Baltimore Ravens (No. 92)

The third-rounder out of Wisconsin played in 137 games, mostly as the starting center for Baltimore and Washington, and stayed in the league until 2011. He's a cousin of Nick Greisen, another Sturgeon Bay grad drafted one year later.

Jason Doering, safety (Rhinelander), Indianapolis Colts (No. 193)

The sixth-rounder played in 53 NFL games, with most coming over the next three seasons in Indy. He attended Wisconsin.

Ross Kolodziej, defensive tackle (Stevens Point), New York Giants (No. 230)

He played 54 games with the Giants, Cardinals and Vikings, and now he's back in Madison as the UW defensive line coach. Was taken in the seventh round.

2000

Wisconsin's new head football coach Luke Fickell, left is shown with athletic director Chris McIntosh at a welcome event November 28, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. He was previously head coach for six seasons at Cincinnati. — Wisconsin’s new head football coach Luke Fickell, left is shown with athletic director Chris McIntosh at a welcome event November 28, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. He was previously head coach for six seasons at Cincinnati.

Chris McIntosh, offensive lineman (Pewaukee), Seattle Seahawks (No. 22)

The Wisconsin standout was taken in the first round, and though injuries kept his career from getting on track, he became associate athletic director in charge of business development at his alma mater and, in 2021, succeeded Barry Alvarez as director of athletics. He recently resigned to take a job with the Big Ten.

Mark Tauscher, offensive lineman (Auburndale), Green Bay Packers (No. 224)

The fan favorite was taken in the seventh round out of Wisconsin after once considering not to continue playing football for the Badgers for his final year of eligibility. He quickly became a starter with the Packers and was re-signed in 2009 early in the year when the Packers OL experienced issues. In 2010, he won a Super Bowl, and today he's co-host of a Milwaukee radio show. He played in 134 NFL games, all with the Packers.

1999

Tom Burke, defensive end (Northwestern), Arizona Cardinals (No. 83)

The disruptive lineman at Wisconsin was a consensus All-American and Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year, then taken in the third round. He appeared in 36 NFL games over four seasons.

Clint Kriewaldt, linebacker (Shiocton), Detroit Lions (No. 177)

The sixth-round pick out of Wisconsin-Stevens Point won a Super Bowl with the Steelers and became head football coach at Freedom. He then became Outagamie County sheriff.

Tyree Talton, safety (Beloit Turner), Detroit Lions (No. 137)

Drafted in the fifth round out of Northern Iowa, Talton appeared in 12 games for the Lions as a rookie and returned six kicks, but that was his only year seeing the field. He was later drafted in the 2001 XFL draft.

Chris Greisen, quarterback (Sturgeon Bay), Arizona Cardinals (No. 239)

The seventh-round pick out of Northwest Missouri State appeared in five NFL games and threw 16 passes over two seasons, completing seven for 69 yards and a touchdown.

1998

Donald Hayes, wide receiver (Madison East), Carolina Panthers (No. 106)

The fourth-round pick from the University of Wisconsin spent four seasons in Carolina and another in New England, finishing with 144 career receptions and nine touchdowns. His best year came in 2000, when he caught 66 passes for 926 yards.

Nathan Strikwerda, offensive line (Madison West), Miami Dolphins (No. 171)

Chosen out of Northwestern in the sixth round, Strikwerda never suited up in an NFL game ... but he did have the highest Wonderlic score of anyone at the scouting combine and graduated with a 3.42 grade-point average in biomedical engineering at NU before seeking a master's in industrial engineering.

1997

Jerry Wunsch, offensive lineman (Wausau West), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 37)

Wunsch, who played at Wisconsin, made 51 starts in his career, including every game of both the 2000 and 2001 seasons at right tackle. He played five seasons with the Bucs and finished his career with three seasons in Seattle.

1996

Jason Maniecki, defensive tackle (Wisconsin Dells), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 140)

The fifth-round pick from UW was in the league for three years, netting one forced fumble and one sack in 18 career NFL games.

1995

Cory Raymer, offensive lineman (Fond du Lac), Washington (No. 37)

The former Badgers center saw time with Washington, the Chargers and then Washington again, playing in 98 games and starting 83 of those. He started all 16 games from 1998 to 2001.

Mike Verstegen, offensive lineman (Kimberly), New Orleans Saints (No. 75)

Chosen in the third round, Verstegen appeared in 22 games (12 starts) over two seasons in the league, playing at right guard after a standout career with the Badgers.

Mike Thompson, defensive tackle (Portage), Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 123)

Thompson, another UW alumnus, saw the field with three teams over four seasons; he made brief appearances for Jacksonville in 1995 and then returned with the Bengals three seasons later. In between, he briefly held a spot on the Packers practice squad. He appeared in 34 career games.

Steve Russ, linebacker (Medford), Denver Broncos (No. 218)

Coming out of Air Force, the seventh-round pick played in 24 games in his career

1994

Jim Flanigan, defensive tackle (Southern Door), Chicago Bears (No. 74)

The highly recruited prospect chose Notre Dame and wound up on the cover of Sports Illustrated , then got taken in the third round. With the Bears, he started all but two games from 1996 to 2000, and he finished with 342 tackles, 46 sacks and seven fumble recoveries in his career. He was briefly with the Packers in 2001, starting eight games and posting 4½ sacks, before joining the 49ers and Eagles for his final seasons.

Joe Panos, offensive lineman (Brookfield East), Philadelphia Eagles (No. 77)

The former walk-on at Wisconsin was captain of the 1994 Rose Bowl team and then became a third-round pick in this draft. He started 56 career games for the Eagles and Bills at offensive guard.

Bill Schroeder, wide receiver (Sheboygan South), Green Bay Packers (No. 181)

The 181st pick in the draft attended UW-La Crosse and made for a great local story, except he didn't play for the Packers (initially), was traded to New England, got hurt and ended up playing in NFL Europe. But he rejoined the Packers and saw the field for the first time in 1997. He led the NFL in yards per reception in 2001 during his second go-round with Green Bay (17.3 yards per catch) and caught 28 career touchdowns and 4,583 receiving yards with the Packers (five seasons), Lions (two) and Bucs (one).

1993

Chuck Belin, offensive lineman (Milwaukee Vincent), Los Angeles Rams (No. 127)

Belin, coming out of UW, didn't play until the year after he was taken, and he stayed in the league for three seasons.

1992

Barry Rose, wide receiver (Baldwin-Woodville), Buffalo Bills(No. 279)

Taken in the 10th round out of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Rose appeared in three NFL games for Denver in 1993.

Mike Saunders, running back (Milton), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 262)

He was taken in the 10th round out of Iowa after clearing 1,000 yards rushing with the Hawkeyes. He did not get into an NFL game.

1991

Don Davey, defensive tackle (Manitowoc Lincoln), Green Bay Packers (No. 67)

The third-round pick out of Wisconsin joined his home-state team and played from 1991 to 1994, then went to Jacksonville for another three seasons, where he finally got a chance to start regularly. He finished his career with 131 tackles and eight sacks.

Dean Dingman, offensive lineman (East Troy), Pittsburgh Steelers( No. 212)

The All-American at Michigan was taken in the eighth round with pick No. 212. He never saw the field after getting injured before the 1991 season.

Dean Witkowski, linebacker (North Fond du Lac), Green Bay Packers (No. 229)

He was taken in the ninth round out of North Dakota but didn't play in a game.

Mark Maddox, linebacker (Milwaukee Madison), Buffalo Bills (No. 249)

Taken in the ninth round out of Northern Michigan, Maddox wound up being a draft-day bargain with the 249th overall pick. He ultimately played in 111 NFL games (47 starts) with Buffalo and Arizona, and though he was only a regular starter two of those seasons, he finished with 355 career tackles and four forced fumbles.

Peter Lucas, offensive line (Jefferson), Atlanta Falcons (No. 258)

A truly fascinating story, Lucas was drafted in the 10th round out of UW-Stevens Point as a 25-year-old junior. He worked at a family furniture store in Jefferson and as a welder in Watertown before his old high school coach, John Miech, persuaded him to play college ball at Miech's new destination of UWSP. He never saw the field in the NFL but was on the same team as rookie Brett Favre — it wasn't a pleasant experience for Lucas.

Brady Pierce, offensive lineman (Menomonie), Minnesota Vikings (No. 259)

The University of Wisconsin behemoth (6-8, 285 pounds) was taken one pick after Lucas in the 10th round but did not get into a game.

1990

Terry Strouf, offensive lineman (Winter), Philadelphia Eagles (No. 189)

Strouf was roommates at UW-La Crosse with Tom Newberry, who became an all-pro lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, and it was on Newberry's advice that he give football a try. He became a seventh-round pick but never signed with the Eagles and instead pursued shot put, for which he attended the 1992 Olympic Trials. He briefly found himself in Packers camp later that same year.

Kirk Baumgartner, quarterback (Colby), Green Bay Packers (No. 242)

Taken out of UW-Stevens Point in the ninth round, Baumgartner got a chance to play for his home-state team after setting numerous WIAC passing records and earned two NAIA Player of the Year nods. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame but never suited up in the pros.

Other earlier first-round picks

1988: Paul Gruber, OL (Sauk Prairie), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 4):Two-time NFL All-Pro played 183 games over 12 seasons. Member of Bucs' Ring of Honor.

1978: John Anderson, LB (Waukesha), Green Bay Packers (No. 26):Named to 1980s All-Decade Team in NFL. Finished with 25 interceptions and 19.5 sacks in 12 seasons, all with Packers. Played at Michigan.

1973: John Matuszak, DL (Oak Creek), Houston Oilers (No. 1):Two-time Super Bowl champion with Raiders is only Wisconsin native drafted No. 1 overall. Played college ball at Missouri and Tampa and also became known for his work in Hollywood.

1972: Jerry Tagge, QB (Green Bay West), Green Bay Packers (No. 11):Tagge scored the game-winning touchdown in the 1971 Orange Bowl for Nebraska against LSU and wound up taken along with two teammates in the first round of the draft. He played three seasons in Green Bay.

1969: John Shinners, OL (Campion Prep) New Orleans Saints (No 17):Hartford native played in 97 games with Saints, Colts and Bengals.

1967: Tom Regner, OL (Kenosha St. Joseph), Houston Oilers (No. 23):Played at Notre Dame and spent six seasons at guard in the NFL.

1966: Gale Gillingham, OL (Tomah), Green Bay Packers (No. 13):Two NFL titles and two Super Bowls with Packers, five Pro Bowl appearances. Packers Hall of Famer. Played college football at Minnesota.

1963: Pat Richter, TE (Madison East), Washington (No. 7):College Football Hall of Famer played three sports at Wisconsin and later became UW athletic director. Played eight seasons with Washington.

1955: Ron Drzewiecki, KR/PR (Bradley Tech), Chicago Bears (No. 11):Marquette University alumnus spent two years in NFL, with a year in U.S. Navy sandwiched between.

1955: Alan Ameche, FB (Kenosha), Baltimore Colts (No. 3):Wisconsin standout won two NFL titles and made four Pro Bowls. Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame. Was NFL Rookie of the Year in 1955 and part of 1950s All-Decade Team.

1954: Neil Worden, RB (Milwaukee Pulaski), Philadelphia Eagles (No. 9):Played for Notre Dame and two seasons in NFL.

1950: Bud Grant, WR/DE (Superior Central), Philadelphia Eagles (No. 14):More notable for his coaching, where he won an NFL title and four Grey Cups coaching in Canada. Member of Pro Football Hall of Fame. NFL Coach of the Year in 1969 with Vikings.

1948: Jug Girard, RB/QB/DB (Marinette), Green Bay Packers (No. 7):Played 10 seasons in NFL, including four with Packers. Played college ball at Wisconsin.

1947: Don Kindt, DB/FB (Milwaukee Washington), Chicago Bears (No. 11):Played nine seasons in NFL, all with Bears. Played college ball at Wisconsin.

1946: Johnny Strzykalski, RB (Milwaukee South), Green Bay Packers (No. 6):Played seven seasons after getting drafted out of Marquette University.

1945: Elroy Hirsch, RB (Wausau), Cleveland Rams (No. 5):"Crazy Legs" was a star in college at Wisconsin and Michigan, then made three Pro Bowls in NFL. Member of Pro Football and College Football Hall of Fame.

1944: Pat Harder, FB/K (Milwaukee Washington), Chicago Cardinals (No. 2):College Football Hall of Famer (playing at Wisconsin) won three NFL titles and made two Pro Bowls.

1937: Ray Buivid, QB/RB (Port Washington), Chicago Cardinals (No. 3):The third overall selection was an All-American halfback at Marquette who played in the 1937 Cotton Bowl against Sammy Baugh and TCU. He finished third in the 1936 Heisman vote.

1937: Ed Jankowski, FB (Milwaukee East – now Riverside), Green Bay Packers (No. 9):Packers Hall of Famer played at Wisconsin and then five seasons in the NFL.

Pre-1990 notable draft picks

1987: Tyrone Braxton, DB (Madison Memorial), Denver Broncos (No. 334):Played 13 NFL seasons at cornerback and safety (all but one with Denver) and won two Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998. He was a Pro Bowler in 1996 and led the league with nine interceptions.

1986: Tom Newberry, OL (Onalaska), Los Angeles Rams (No. 50):Two-time All-Pro.

1986: John Offerdahl, LB (Fort Atkinson), Miami Dolphins (No. 52):Five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1986. Played 89 games, all with Dolphins, and finished with 9.5 sacks and four interceptions.

1985: Dan Turk, OL (Milwaukee Madison), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 101):Only active player to cross the picket line and play during the 1987 players' strike. Died of cancer at age 38. Was able to snap to his brother, Matt Turk (Greenfield High School) with Washington.

1983: Mark Bortz, OG (Pardeeville), Chicago Bears (No. 219):Went to two Pro Bowls and appeared on 1985 Super Bowl champion. University of Iowa product played 171 games overall.

1983: Tim Krumrie, DT (Mondovi), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 276):Wisconsin Hall of Famer was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro.

1974: Mike Webster, OL (Rhinelander), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 125):Football Hall of Famer won four Super Bowls with Steelers dynasty and was named All-Pro seven times. Member of 1980s and 1970s All-Decade teams. One of the greatest center to ever play in the NFL. Also a key figure in concussion studies since his death at age 50 in 2002.

1974: Dave Casper, TE (Chilton), Oakland Raiders (No. 45): Pro Football Hall of Famer and College Football Hall of Famer out of Notre Dame was named All-Pro five times. Spent one season at Chilton High School. Named to 1970s All-Decade Team. Won Super Bowl with Raiders.

1972: Jim Bertelsen, RB (Hudson), Los Angeles Rams (No. 30):The University of Texas standout ran for more than 2,400 career yards and scored 16 touchdowns in his five years, making the Pro Bowl in 1973.

1968: Rocky Bleier, RB (Appleton Xavier), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 417):Bleier played at Notre Dame and won four Super Bowls with the Steelers despite serving in Vietnam and losing part of his foot (he earned a Purple Heart).

1970: Stu Voigt, TE (Madison West), Minnesota Vikings (No. 259):Made three Super Bowl appearances with Minnesota in a four-year stretch, then became a color commentator for Vikings radio for two decades. Was notably sentenced to six months in federal prison for his involvement in a Ponzi scheme in 2016.

1966: Pete Banaszak, RB (Crivitz), Oakland Raiders (No. 59):University of Miami product spent entire career (1966-1978) with Raiders, winning a Super Bowl and AFL championship. Finished with 3,772 yards rushing.

1960: Dale Hackbart, DB (Madison East), Minnesota Vikings (No. 51):Won NFL title and played 12 NFL seasons. Was plaintiff in landmark lawsuit that resulted in mandate of X-ray machines at all NFL stadiums.

1960: Jim Otto, OL (Wausau), Oakland Raiders (AFL Draft second round):He wasn't technically an NFL draft pick but he does deserve mention after earning a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Played college ball at Miami, made three Pro Bowls and was twice named first-team All Pro. Was first team in the AFL 10 times from 1960 through 1969 and part of the AFL All-Time Team.

1956: Fuzzy Thurston, OL (Altoona), Baltimore Colts (No. 54):Packers Hall of Famer won six NFL titles and two super Bowls.

1936: Tuffy Leemans, RB (Superior Central), New York Giants (No .18):Won NFL title, was twice named All-Pro and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: All the Wisconsin high-school alumni in the NFL Draft since 1990

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