With the 2021 NFL Draft completed, a number of Badgers from last years roster found new homes in the NFL. The Badgers saw three players get drafted yesterday. A number of other players signed with teams as un-drafted free agents. Let’s take a look at where these players will start the new chapter of their NFL careers.
The Players Drafted
Isaiahh Loudermilk was the first Badger to go off the board in the NFL draft. he was drafted in the 5th round (156 overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers. A majority of NFL mock drafts had Loudermilk going un-drafted or a late round pick. Loudermilk was a voted in 2020 as a third team All-Big Ten by the media and honorable mention by the coaches. He played in 40 career games with the Badgers and recorded 63 tackles, 11 TFL’s, and 7.5 sacks.
Rachad Wildgoose was the next Badger to be drafted. He was drafted in the 6th round (213 overall) by the Buffalo Bills. Wildgoose only played in 2 games this past season before an injury ended his season. He could have came back for another year, but decided to declare early for the draft. It was an interesting decision at first, but I am glad he was able to get drafted by a team who lost in the AFC Championship last season.
LFG Buffalo !!! Y’all getting a monster in me ! I’m ready to work!!! https://t.co/qASiFP0TGR
— Rachad Wildgoose II (@Clamps_era) May 2, 2021
The very next pick, Cole Van Lanen was selected by the Green Bay Packers at pick 214. This is a great story as Van Lanen played his high school football about 20 minutes from Lambeau Field at Bay Port High School. Van Lanen has a great chance to stay in his home state and play for his favorite team growing up. He is the first Badger to get drafted by the Packers since Vince Biegel, who was drafted in the 4th round in 2017.
Other Players Who Went Un-Drafted
A number of players also signed with NFL teams after the draft concluded. Garrett Groshek, a running back who spent 5 years in the Badger program, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. He joins former Badger Alec Ingold on the Raiders roster.
Just Win Baby 🏴☠️🏴☠️ https://t.co/UaKgA1Yr7X
— Garrett Groshek (@garrettgro37) May 2, 2021
The Packers also went with another player on the Badgers too. Offensive Lineman Jon Dietzen was signed by Green Bay after the draft. Like Van Lanen, Dietzen played high school football in Wisconsin. He played his high school ball at Seymour High School. After retiring due to injured, Dietzen came back and had a really good 2020 season. As a result, the teammates end up in the green and gold. It’s so great to see another player born and raised in Wisconsin play for the team they grew up watching.
Safety Eric Burrell was signed by the New Orleans Saints. Burrell was not only one of the better safeties in the Big Ten, but in the country. I was really surprised that Burrell was not drafted. I believe he’ll find his way on a 53 man roster early in his career.
All a youngin needed was an opportunity #whodat⚜️ pic.twitter.com/PsqRmIgM1n
— Eric Burrell (@EricBurrell_) May 2, 2021
Fullback Mason Stokke was the final Badger to find a home in the NFL. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers. It will be interesting to see if Stokke will find his way on a 53 man roster like Alec Ingold.
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz! Check out our merch page as well. Use promo code WISCO at checkout for $1 off! To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
