Wisconsin Badger fans know we send several players to the NFL each year. Some players are drafted while others go undrafted and sign as free agents. There are a total of 11 Wisconsin Badgers in the NFL playoffs this season. These 11 players represent six different NFL teams including the Cowboys, Eagles, Packers, Rams, Cardinals and Steelers.
Green Bay Packers
Cole Van Lanen – OL
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Cole Van Lanen’s dream came true when he was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad in September. With the multitude of injuries that happened to the Packers offensive line this year, Van Lanen was able to appear in one game this season.
Philadelphia Eagles
T.J. Edwards – LB
Edwards is a linebacker and is in his third year in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he signed as an undrafted free agent. Over three seasons, Edwards has started 30 games accumulating 223 tackles, three and two interceptions. T.J. ranked in the top 10 this season for highest graded linebackers according to PFF.
Arizona Cardinals
J.J. Watt – DE
11th overall pick by the Houston Texans in 2011, J.J. Watt has had quite possibly the best career of any Wisconsin Badger. Watt has been the NFL Defensive MVP three times in his 11 year career. Over his 11 years, Watt has participated in 135 games accumulating 547 tackles, with 102 sacks, 26 forced fumbles and two interceptions. When J.J. Watt’s career is over, he will most certainly be a first ballot hall of famer.
Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Biadasz – OL
Tyler Biadasz is another name on a long list of Wisconsin born and raised offensive lineman that have transitioned to the NFL. As a fourth round pick in the 2020 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Biadasz has started in 21 games in his first two seasons. Over his first two seasons, Biadasz has only been flagged 11 times. This is likely the start of a long career for the starting center of the Cowboys.
Corey Clement – RB
Corey Clement signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles where he spent four seasons. 2021 is the first season Clement has played with the Cowboys. Over his five NFL seasons, Clement has appeared in 63 games accumulating 795 rushing yards and scoring seven touchdowns. As a receiver, Clement has hauled in 43 receptions for 369 yards and scoring three touchdowns. In addition, Clement has served primarily has a kick returner for both teams he’s played for.
Los Angeles Rams
Rob Havenstein – OL
Drafted in the second round in the 2015 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams, Havenstein has been a staple on the offensive line starting 99 games in seven seasons. Havenstein was part of the NFL All-Rookie team in 2015.
David Edwards – OL
In the 2019 NFL draft, the Rams picked offensive lineman David Edwards in the fourth round. Edwards has started 41 games in his three NFL seasons along side fellow alum Rob Havenstein.
Pittsburg Steelers
Isaiahh Loudermilk – DE
Isaiahh Loudermilk was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft. Loudermilk started two games this season. Isaiahh has recorded 23 tackles and one sack in his young career.
Joe Schobert – OLB
In the 2016 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Joe Schobert in the fourth round. In six NFL seasons, Schobert has played in 93 games recording 661 tackles, 11 sacks and 10 interceptions. Schobert has played on three teams including the Browns, Jaguars and Steelers.
Derek Watt – FB
Also in the 2016 draft, the San Diego Chargers drafted Derek Watt in the sixth round. Watt spent four season with the Chargers. Derek was reunited with brother, T.J. Watt in 2020 as a member of the Pittsburg Steelers. In 93 games, Derek has rushed for 50 yards and one touchdown. So far in Watt’s six seasons, he’s been a valuable member of each franchises special teams.
T.J. Watt – OLB
In 2017 the Pittsburg Steelers drafted T.J. Watt in the first round and he’s more than paid off his first round selection. In five seasons, Watt has recorded 72 sacks most notably his 22.5 sacks that tied Michael Strahan for single sacks in a season. In 77 games Watt has recorded 294 tackles with 80 going for a loss. Just like his older brother, T.J. is well on his way to being a first ballot hall of famer.
Final Thoughts
The Wisconsin Badgers are well represented in this years playoffs. James White, running back for the New England Patriots would be the twelfth player on this list but he is currently on injured reserve.
Good luck to all former Badgers as they begin their quest for a Super Bowl Championship!
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