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Today’s Open Jim mailbag questions comes from @BadgerJohnBerg on X:
What does it say that we had no NFL draft picks. And not one free agent made a 53-man roster?
Not to be Captain Obvious here, but it says there wasn’t enough high-end talent on the roster last season and that Wisconsin’s 4-8 record went far beyond injuries at the quarterback position.
A lack of blue-chippers is an issue that predated the arrival of Luke Fickell. The Badgers haven’t had a first-round pick in the NFL Draft since outside linebacker T.J. Watt and Ryan Ramczyk were selected in 2017, and that streak almost certainly will hit 10 years next spring.
Polzin: Wisconsin football's record this season will be ...
The real question is: Will that narrative change anytime soon?
There is some hope. Spending more during the roster-building process this past offseason allowed the Badgers to land some players who I believe will be on NFL rosters next season. Center Austin Kawecki is an obvious choice. Cornerback Javan Robinson is another guy who I think has a chance to help his draft stock this season.
I still think some of the highest-ceiling players are only in their second or third seasons in the program. Right tackle Kevin Heywood has NFL potential if he can stay healthy. I could see wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. getting there with the right development. Outside linebacker Mason Posa might have a big decision to make after his junior season. The list doesn’t stop there.
I’d be stunned if we’re having the same conversation in the spring about no Badgers being selected.
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Wisconsin defensive end Matt Henningsen, left, and nose tackle Keeanu Benton celebrate Henningsen's sack Eastern Michigan during their 2021 game at Camp Randall Stadium.
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Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton tackles Central Michigan running back Jonathan Ward during their 2019 game at Camp Randall Stadium.
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Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton runs through drills during an August 2021 practice at Camp Randall Stadium.
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Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton is interviewed by reporters during the football team's 2021 media day at Camp Randall Stadium.
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Nose tackle Keeanu Benton participates in position work during the Badgers' 2023 pro day event in Madison.
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Nose tackle Keeanu Benton participates in position work during the Badgers' 2023 pro day event in Madison.
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Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton celebrates his sack with Darryl Peterson during their 2022 game against Minnesota at Camp Randall Stadium.
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Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton sacks Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis during their 2022 game at Camp Randall Stadium.
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Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton and defensive end Isaiah Mullens sack Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa during their 2022 game at Camp Randall Stadium.
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Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton celebrates after sacking Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan during their 2021 game in Minneapolis.
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Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton sacks Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan during their 2021 game in Minneapolis.
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Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton celebrates his fumble recovery on the Army 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter of their 2021 game at Camp Randall Stadium.