The 3 former Wisconsin Badgers most likely to get an NFL call-up off the practice squad

By now, many Wisconsin Badger fans have become aware of the fact that zero players from last year's team made an active 53-man roster. A couple of guys made a tight push for one of the final spots, but in the end, zero pulled through, leaving yet another disappointing stain on Wisconsin’s recent reputation.

In total, there were 12 guys competing on their teams for a spot, most of whom, after clearing waivers, ended up on their team's practice squad. For the majority of this group, that cut will mark an end to their NFL journey for at least this year, as the odds of climbing up from the practice squad to an active roster aren't very likely.

That said, injuries, trades, cuts, suspensions, underperformers and so many more things can happen over the course of a 17-week season, leaving a bit of room for a few select guys to get a call-up. It won't be all of them, but these three former Wisconsin standouts seem the most likely to get a chance on an NFL roster this season.

Vinny Anthony II

Almost inarguably, the Badger with the highest chance to get the call-up is wide receiver Vinny Anthony II. The 23-year-old is riding the tails of a very strong training camp, where he flashed his versatility both in practice and on the field, which to many was enough for him to get a call-up to join the active roster.

However, the Atlanta Falcons chose to go in a different direction, waiving him before eventually bringing him back on the practice squad. With that said, his season is far from finished, as the same versatility he flashed in camp could come back in his favor so long as a couple things fall into place.

One or two injuries in the receiver room, a kick returner isn't performing or special teams aren't up to par, and Anthony could see himself in an NFL uniform in no time.

Darryl Peterson

After Anthony, there aren't any clear candidates for players to get the call-up to the active roster, but one who has a solid chance of ability alone is Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Darryl Peterson. The brother of the second overall pick in the NBA draft had a very strong preseason, logging two sacks and a game-winning forced fumble, doing the most in the limited reps he had.

It is going to be very difficult for Peterson to get any kind of game reps on what is one of the better defensive lines in the past decade in the NFL. But with the right set of circumstances, he could get a call-up for a game or two for some specialists or special teams reps.

Nyzier Fourqurean

Arguably the best performance of any former Badger in preseason this year was that of defensive back Nyzier Fourqurean, who logged eight tackles, a forced fumble and a pass deflection over the games. Fourqurean was solid in coverage, too, showcasing that the traits he flashed in Wisconsin can in fact translate up to the next level.

With that said, much like Peterson, the path for him to playing time on this Rams roster is very steeply an uphill one. Again, there’s always a chance things could fall into line, but for now, Fourqurean’s best hope is a spot call-up.

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