The Badgers are looking to still get a few former Wisconsin players into the NFL after getting snubbed completely from the NFL Draft. There are 11 players who signed UDFA deals, but none of them are guaranteed roster spots. Mason Reiger may have the best shot, followed by Vinny Anthony II, but there's another who was recently given a 50/50 chance to make the Buffalo Bills: Jackson Acker.
Acker plays a niche position both in college and the NFL: the fullback. The Bills are one of the few NFL teams that still employ a fullback, but similar to a kicker or a punter, it's not a position they plan to staff with more than one player.
Jackson Acker is in a two-person battle for one spot on the Buffalo Bills roster
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The good news for Acker is that Reggie Gilliam, the fullback for Buffalo the last six years, was signed by the New England Patriots this offseason. This leaves a hole for the Bills that needs to be filled. Buffalo brought in two options: Ben VanSumeren and Acker.
VanSumeren was a free agent signing from the Philadelphia Eagles, who is a converted linebacker and has had some opportunities at fullback. Acker is, well, a rookie, but with tons of experience at fullback.
RochesterFirst.com is basically giving Acker a 50/50 shot at making the roster based on the Bills wanting one player, but Buffalo brought in two to try out until the season starts. Acker is up against a four-year NFL veteran. That may be tough sledding, but Acker was arguably the best fullback in college for the last few seasons.
Rochester First said this about Acker making the Bills roster, "The 6-foot-1, 247-pounder excelled as a pass blocker throughout his career, earning a PFF grade of 69.3 in this area during his senior season. He also provided a spark as a receiver, which would give Buffalo's offense another wrinkle."
Acker will have a solid shot and may help give the Wisconsin Badgers an NFL player in 2026 after all. Hopefully, he isn't the only one, but he does have a legit shot, and the Bills will give him every opportunity to take the job from VanSumeren, especially on his rookie contract.
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