Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn was the only rookie to achieve this feat in 2022
Former Wisconsin Badgers standout Jack Sanborn quickly made a name for himself in his first season in the NFL despite not being selected in the 2022 NFL draft.
Sanborn signed with the Chicago Bears and impressed right away in training camp, giving the team a nice depth piece. But the former Badgers linebacker got the chance to start when the Bears traded away Roquan Smith and he made the most of it.
Sanborn appeared in 14 games, starting 6, and recorded 64 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, 2 sacks, and a fumble recovery. For his efforts, Sanborn earned praise from Pro Football Focus and was the only undrafted rookie to make the 2022 PFF All-Rookie team this season:
Jack Sanborn was the ONLY undrafted rookie to make the 2022 @PFF All-Rookie Team.
This Wisconsin badger is the real deal. The @ChicagoBears got a steal with @JackSanborn79 #OnWisconsin #Badgers pic.twitter.com/xhMGuh4KMk
— Mike Murphy (@RealMikeMurph) January 23, 2023
With Sanborn’s play in 2022, he’s certainly earned a chance to be the starter next season going into this offseason. If he emerges as the winner of the job and plays well, he will be just the latest Badgers player to find success in the NFL. Even as a member of the Chicago Bears, we can appreciate that.