The Wisconsin Badgers were shut out of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the problem for Luke Fickell is that there are no sure-fire 2027 picks either. If a few players don't have a breakout year, there could honestly be a back-to-back goose egg for the Badgers. Let's hope that's not the case, but it's likely, especially as the stars that Wisconsin does have are underclassmen.
There are a few players who could sneak into the 2027 NFL draft boards, but they will need big seasons. Let's mostly stay with seniors/graduates (we can have one junior at the bottom) who will be out of eligibility after 2026. Here are a few likely candidates:
Abu Sama III - RB
Sama may be the most likely candidate, which isn't a great sign, as running backs don't often go high. He will get plenty of usage, and if Eric Mateos has his way, he will get Sama plenty of chunk yards to show off his skills. While Wisconsin will use a stable of backs, Sama will get plenty of run.
Marvin Burks Jr. - S
Burks has the look of an NFL safety, and he's had a pretty good college career so far. This year, he's looking to put himself into the NFL conversation, and depending on his play on the field and his testing, he may be the most likely candidate for the Badgers in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Jaylon Domingeaux - WR
The early reports on Domingeaux from spring practices are great. He's flashy and has some burst to him. Put him on a Big Ten roster with a decent quarterback (please stay healthy, Colton Joseph), and he could really shine. He had 52 receptions for 857 last season for Southeast Louisiana. If he can develop chemistry with Joseph, he may put himself on the map, as Skyler Bell did at UCONN this season.
Senior wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux had a couple of touchdowns today and a terrific catch over the middle with the defender draped all over him.#Badgers pic.twitter.com/gd9BrKR8Il
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) April 25, 2026
Tyrell Henry - WR
This one is a big-time flier, as he's been a Badger for two seasons and has six catches total. However, it sounds like he's been moved into the slot, and he's showing a ton of juice at the spot. Henry is getting a lot of love from Badger reporters in the spring.
Colton Joseph - QB
Let's really throw a flier out there and put junior quarterback Colton Joseph on the list. One full healthy season, with Jeff Grimes drawing up plays and Joseph having a big season, could do it. However, unless he becomes a top pick in the first round or two, there would be no reason for him to make the jump. But the problem is, the cupboards are bare for draftable players, so Joseph gets moved onto the list.
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