The 2016 NFL Draft was a rather uneventful one for those in Badger Nation, as just two former UW players heard their names called in the seven-round extravaganza in Chicago this weekend. With Joe Schobert (Cleveland) and Derek Watt (San Diego) already of to the NFL, many former Badgers were left to sift through offers as undrafted free agents.
As of Saturday night, it appears that five players have signed undrafted free agent contracts, and another one — Tanner McEvoy — will get a tryout to earn a contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Perhaps the most shocking player not picked was record-holding quarterback Joel Stave, who was rumored to have been eyed by teams as early as the third round. Instead, he will the Wisconsin native will head to the West and take up a contract offer from the Minnesota Vikings.
I can confirm Joel Stave to the Vikings. Now #Badgers fans have a legitimate reason to dislike him.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) May 1, 2016
No doubt the love will be lost quickly should he ever see the field against the beloved Packers.
However, he wasn’t the only Badger heading to a Packers fan’s hated rival. Next up was tight end Austin Traylor, who singed with the Dallas Cowboys.
Former #Badgers tight end Austin Traylor will sign with the Dallas Cowboys, per his agent.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) April 30, 2016
Former Badgers offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler will see some very familiar faces in training camp this fall, as both cornerback Darius Hillary and wide receiver Alex Erickson signed deals with the Cincinnati Bengals.
In fact, it was Zeitler who broke the news of the two signing with the Bengals, announcing it on his Twitter account.
Excited to have fellow Badgers Alex Erickson and Darius Hillary join the @Bengals. Let's get to work. #whodey #badgers @badgerfootball
— Kevin Zeitler (@kzeit70) April 30, 2016
The final name to receive a rookie free agent deal was offensive tackle Tyler Marz, who chose to accept a deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Tyler Marz has signed a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans. Congrats Tyler…Go TYtans. pic.twitter.com/LlQcGNzXP2
— Tiger Activities (@TigerActivities) April 30, 2016
Conspicuous by his absence in the draft and early on in the UDFA period was safety Michael Caputo. One of the most valuable players in Dave Aranda’s 3-4 defense, Caputo may not have a home in the NFL thanks to his abilities as a run-stopping safety and a lack of coverage tape to go on.
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