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NFL Draft: Former Wisconsin Badgers Picked in First Round Since 2000

By Taylor Johnson

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 NFL Draft takes its traveling road show to the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, PA this Thursday. Both Ryan Ramczyk and T.J. Watt have a good shot of hearing their name called in the first round. If they do, they would join a slew of other former Wisconsin Badgers to do so since 2000.

Related Story: 2017 NFL Draft: T.J. Watt to the Green Bay Packers?

It’s always sunny in Philadelphia, and it could be especially sunny for Ryan Ramczyk and T.J. Watt. Both former Wisconsin Badgers have a very good chance of hearing their names called during the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday evening. If they are fortunate enough, they would join a number of former Badgers to hear their named called in the first round since 2000.

Here’s the list of the 13 former Wisconsin Badgers since 2000 selected in the NFL Draft. Their overall selection is in parenthesis.

2000

  • RB Ron Dayne-New York Giants (11)
  • T Chris McIntosh-Seattle Seahawks (22)

2001

  • CB Jamar Fletcher-Miami Dolphins (26)
  • RB Michael Bennett-Minnesota Vikings (27)

2002

  • DT Wendell Bryant-Arizona Cardinals (12)

2004

  • WR Lee Evans-Buffalo Bills (13)

2005

  • DE Erasmus James-Minnesota Vikings (18)

2007

  • T Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns (3)

2011

  • DE J.J. Watt-Houston Texans (11)
  • T Gabe Carimi-Chicago Bears (29)

2012

  • G Kevin Zeitler-Cincinnati Bengals (27)

2013

  • C Travis Frederick-Dallas Cowboys (31)

2015

  • RB Melvin Gordon-San Diego Chargers (15)

Despite playing for the lowly Browns, Joe Thomas has made the most of his opportunity. Since being drafted, he has made the Pro Bowl every single season he has been in the league.

And there’s J.J. Watt, who’s work ethic is second to none which has earned the former Badger four Pro Bowl selections as well as winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times.

Travis Frederick has been named to the last three Pro Bowl’s and is the anchor of one of the best offensive lines in the league.

Melvin Gordon bounced back his sophomore season in 2016, rushing for 997 yards and 10 touchdowns before missing the final three games due to hip and knee injuries.

Next: Big Ten West Will Run Through Badgers

T.J. Watt and Ryan Ramczyk could very well join this list on Thursday. The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m. CT. Both ESPN and the NFL Network will have coverage from Philadelphia.