Wisconsin Connections from Round One of the NFL Draft

No Badgers were selected in round one of the NFL draft, but that doesn't mean Wisconsin didn't have its fingerprints all over it. Let's take a look at a couple of Wisconsin connections from the first night.

Drake Maye and Phil Longo

UNC quarterback Drake Maye was selected 3rd overall by the New England Patriots. A big reason as to why he got drafted so high is due to his former coach, current Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo. The pair overlapped for two seasons at UNC and Maye had his best statistical season under Longo in 2022, throwing for 4321 yards and 38 touchdowns. It's safe to say Longo was pretty excited for his former protege.

Longo will turn his attention this year to developing quarterbacks Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Locke. If Van Dyke wins the starting job, this season will likely determine his NFL draft stock. Could Phil Longo produce another first round pick?

JC Latham

With the 7th selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans selected Alabama tackle from Oak Creek, WI, JC Latham. Latham was born in Mississippi but grew up in Oak Creek, and later attended Catholic Memorial High in Waukesha. He was a highly touted five-star recruit and grew up a Green Bay Packer and Aaron Rodgers fan.

Latham was offered by Wisconsin back in 2021, but ultimately committed to Nick Saben.

Rounds two and three of the draft will be held on Friday. Star Badger running back Braelon Allen could potentially hear his name called in the 3rd round. We'll keep you posted on him and other potential draftee, Tanor Bortolini, as the draft progresses.