2016 NFL Draft: Wisconsin Badgers Day One Draft Primer

Sep 19, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Joel Stave (2) during the game against the Troy Trojans at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Joel Stave (2) during the game against the Troy Trojans at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The 2016 NFL Draft begins Thursday night

It’s finally, here, the 2016 NFL Draft begins tonight in Chicago as hundreds of hopeful NFL players will look to hear their names called during draft weekend.

Among them are several Wisconsin football players hopeful to continue their careers at the professional level.

More badgers: Top Undrafted Badgers in Wisconsin History

Last year, the Wisconsin football team had an exciting round one of the NFL Draft, as the San Diego Chargers traded up in the first to grab Badgers running back Melvin Gordon.

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He was the second running back taken in the draft, but he had a disappointing rookie season.

This year, the Badgers aren’t expected to have a first round pick.

Linebacker Joe Schobert is the Badgers best chance at a high draft pick, but it’s a stretch to think we could hear his name called tonight. It’s much more reasonable to think his ceiling would be as a late second round pick, and he’ll most likely be a third round selection.

Behind him, Tyler Marz, Michael Caputo and Joel Stave rank as the likeliest of Badgers players to hear their name called this weekend, with players like Derek Watt, Alex Erickson, Darius Hillary, Austin Traylor and Tanner McEvoy as more long shots to be drafted.

Be sure to take a look at the draft profiles for many of the eligible Badgers players:

Be sure as well to check out our Mock Drafts:

The 2016 NFL Draft kicks off tonight in Chicago. Here’s what you need to know to check out the draft:

  • What: 2016 NFL Draft, Round 1
  • When: Thursday, April 28, 7 p.m. CT
  • Where: Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Illinois
  • TV Channel: ESPN, NFL Network
  • Live Stream: WatchESPN

Next: Top Late Round Draft Picks in Badgers History

Rounds 2-3 of the 2016 NFL Draft will take place Friday night and rounds 4-7 will take place on Saturday.