Only two Badgers were invited to the NFL Combine, making Wisconsin's Pro Day that much more important for NFL hopefuls. Safety Austin Brown was one of the Badgers looking to showcase his ability in the hopes of getting drafted, and he definitely did not disappoint.
During the testing period of the pro day, Brown put on an absolute show, setting what would have been multiple combine bests had he participated. The former Badger impressed on the bench press and in the vertical jump with over 30 scouts on hand.
Badgers' Austin Brown throws up 20 reps on the bench press
Brown notched 20 reps on the bench press in what would have been the most for any safety at the combine. The 6-foot-1, 213-pound safety easily cleared the top mark of 18 set by projected first-round pick Dillon Thieneman.
20 reps on bench for @austintyler_25 ➡️ would have been the most for safeties at the Combine 👀 pic.twitter.com/RRNaX3MGxQ
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) March 6, 2026
Brown launches to the top of the board with crazy vertical leap
With an incredible 43-inch vertical, Brown also would have found himself atop the safety leaderboard at the combine. Arizona's Genesis Smith posted a 42.5-inch jump in Indianapolis. Brown's jump would have also been the sixth-best for any position at the combine.
Quite the vertical jump for #Badgers safety Austin Brown at Wisconsin’s Pro Day
— Nick Bruesewitz (@NickBruesewitz) March 6, 2026
43.00 inches, would’ve ranked sixth at ANY position at the NFL Combine pic.twitter.com/f5zlKolD52
Brown posted a solid senior season, notching 40 tackles and three passes defended. And while the numbers don't exactly jump off the page, he was a versatile defender who possesses good size for the next level. Brown played anywhere and everywhere for Wisconsin, lining up at safety, slot and even on the outside at times.
Ahead of the pro day, Brown was likely a Day 3 draft pick or potentially even undrafted. Now after his elite showing on Friday, he's certainly garnered the attention of some NFL scouts. After posting what would have been two NFL Combine bests, Brown drastically improved his chances of hearing his name called in April.
