Week 3 of the NFL preseason is in the books. See the stats from former Wisconsin football players in the NFL and where they stand on the rosters.
There is an abounding number of Badgers in the NFL to start the 2018-2019 season. Many of which are locks on the roster, while some are battling to make a team.
This year, the Badgers added seven more players into the NFL. As of right now, there are a total of thirty former Badgers that have participated in training camps and preseason games.
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding this year’s rookies. Will players like Troy Fumagalli, Nick Nelson, and Jack Cichy live up to the potential their respective teams saw in them? Can players that went undrafted make a splash and find their way on a roster?
As for the second year players, Ryan Ramczyk, TJ Watt, and Corey Clement enjoyed successful rookie years, including a Super Bowl victory for Clement. Can they avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump?” Vince Biegel is looking to bounce back after an injury-riddled rookie year with the Packers.
Many former Badgers who are considered veterans are also facing different situations. J.J. Watt and Russell Wilson are both considered among the best at their positions and are expected to put up big numbers and lead their teams to the playoffs. Meanwhile, some vets, such as tight ends Austin Traylor and Lance Kendricks, are fighting for a roster spot.
Whether they are a roster lock, fighting for a job, or a long-shot to make the team, it is nice to see some familiar faces playing at the next level. While it would be nice if they all made their teams and represented Bucky, there is bound to be some heartbreak and disappointment.
Week 3 of the preseason is usually the “dress rehearsal” for the regular season and the best measuring stick for a team before the real deal. Here’s a quick look at how past Badgers fared this weekend.