The Wisconsin Badgers have a long history of sending players to the NFL. Currently, there are 33 former Wisconsin players on active NFL rosters, injured reserve, or practice squads. This includes eight rookies from the 2022 NFL draft. As the season begins to wind down, we turn our attention toward which Wisconsin players we might see on Sundays. Here are the top 3 Wisconsin 2023 NFL Draft Prospects.
2023 NFL Draft Prospect: Keeanu Benton DT
One of the few bright spots for Wisconsin this season has been the play of Benton. During his career as a Badger, he has amassed 72 tackles with 15 of them being for loss. He is a versatile lineman who can help solidify the interior of any line. Benton has shown improvement each season proving to NFL teams that he is coachable. Analysts project Benton as either a first or second-round pick. NFL teams know how well Wisconsin coaches their lineman so it is no surprise that Benton is a top 2023 NFL draft prospect.
Tyler Beach G
Outside of Benton, no Wisconsin player is projected in any early rounds. However, there are some players that could provide late-round value. Beach’s size will make him tantalizing for any NFL GM. At 6′ 6″ and 312 pounds, the physical makeup is consequently there. Where teams may be cautious with Beach is his limited playing time. He has only played in 10 games which makes him a very raw prospect. However, because of his size and the Badger’s history of great linemen, he makes the list of Wisconsin 2023 NFL Draft prospects. Analysts project him as a 7th-round pick, though some scouts think he could go in the 5th.
2023 NFL Draft Prospect: Andy Vujnovich P
If you don’t think punting and special teams are important, you certainly are not living in the state of Wisconsin. Vujnovich averages 44.2 yards per punt for his career. He is a very reliable punter which many teams could be looking for in the offseason. Special teams are critical to winning games. Any NFL team who is unhappy with their punter may look to Vujnovich for a 7th-round pick. Vujnovich could also go undrafted but quickly get signed as an undrafted free agent. Teams have to be really in love with a punter in order to spend a pick on them. Even though he is just a punter, Andy Vujnovich is on the list of Wisconsin 2023 NFL Draft prospects.
It will most likely be a down year for Wisconsin in terms of players drafted. However, the history that Wisconsin has of cultivating quality NFL players should help teams look to Wisconsin players post-draft.
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