Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, April 21, 2015
Wisconsin has been one of the Big Ten?s bellwether programs of late, winning three Big Ten titles since 2010 and going to a bowl each season since 2002. And that success has translated into one of the most prolific draft resumes among all Big Ten schools over the last 10 years.
[ MORE: Check out Tom Dienhart's Big Ten NFL draft snapshots ]
In that time, the program has lived up to its billing as an ?offensive line? factory, producing 10 selections. The Badgers also have been pretty good at churning out defensive linemen with eight picks.
Wisconsin will add to its NFL draft resume in 2015, as running back Melvin Gordon looks like a sure-fire first-round selection. Other Badgers who figure to have their names called include offensive tackle Rob Havenstein and guard Dallas Lewallen.
Here is a look at how Wisconsin has fared in the last 10 NFL drafts.
WISCONSIN DRAFT (2005-14)
Highest pick: No. 3 OT Joe Thomas, 2007/Browns
Most fertile draft: 2005, seven selections
Total first-round picks: 6
Total picks: 42
Position breakdown:
- Offensive line: 10
- Defensive line: 8
- Running back: 5
- Receiver: 5
- Tight end: 5
- Linebacker: 3
- Defensive back: 3
- Quarterback: 1
- Kicker: 1
- Punter: 1
2005
First round: DE Erasmus James, Vikings
Third round: DB Scott Starks, Jaguars
Fourth round: G Dan Buenning, Buccaneers
Fifth round: DE Jonathan Welsh, Colts
Sixth round: DT Anttaj Hawthorne, Raiders
Sixth round: DT Jason Jefferson, Saints
Seventh round: RB Antony Davis, Colts
2006
Third round: RB Brian Calhoun, Lions
Third round: WR Brandon Williams, 49ers
Fourth round: TE Owen Daniels, Texans
Fifth round: TE Jason Pociask, Jets
Sixth round: WR Jonathan Orr, Titans
2007
First round: OT Joe Thomas, Browns
2008
Fourth round: CB Jack Ikegwuonu, Eagles
Sixth round: K Taylor Mehlhaff, Saints
Sixth round: DT Nick Hayden, Panthers
Sixth round: WR Paul Hubbard, Browns
2009
Third round: DE Matt Shaughnessy, Raiders
Third round: LB DeAndre Levy, Lions
Third round: OT Kraig Urbik, Steelers
Third round: TE Travis Beckum, Giants
2010
Fourth round: TE Garrett Graham, Texans
Fourth round: LB O?Brien Schofield, Cardinals
2011
First round: DE J.J. Watt, Texans
First round: OT Gabe Carimi, Bears
Second round: TE Lance Kendricks, Rams
Third round: G John Moffitt, Seahawks
Seventh round: C Bill Nagy, Cowboys
2012
First round: G Kevin Zeitler, Bengals
Second round: G Peter Konz, Falcons
Third round: QB Russell Wilson, Seahawks
Fourth round: WR Nick Toon, Saints
Fifth round: RB Bradie Ewing, Falcons
Sixth round: P Brad Nortman, Panthers
2013
First round: C Travis Frederick Cowboys
Second round: RB Montee Ball, Broncos
Fifth round: OT Ricky Wagner, Ravens
2014
Third round: FS Dezmen Southward, Falcons
Third round: LB Chris Borland, 49ers
Fourth round: RB James White, Patriots
Fifth round: WR Jared Abbrederis, Packers
Seventh round: DT Beau Allen, Eagles
About Tom Dienhart | BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section. |
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