Wisconsin Badgers in the NFL: 26 former Badgers make an NFL roster

Tuesday marked an important day on the NFL calendar, as teams across the league had to trim their rosters to 53 players.

In a day full of roster moves, trades, and injury designations, 26 Wisconsin alumni have officially made an NFL roster as of Wednesday afternoon.

Here is an overview of which former Badgers will be playing on Sundays this season after a pivotal day in the NFL, and which players will be hoping to land a practice squad opportunity.

Badgers on an NFL roster in 2022

J.J. Watt (DL) - Arizona Cardinals
Kevin Zeitler (OG) - Baltimore Ravens
Jack Sanborn (LB) - Chicago Bears

The lone undrafted free agent from Wisconsin to make an NFL roster this year is linebacker Jack Sanborn. He put together a great camp and made a bunch of plays in the team's preseason. Vince Biegel tore his achilles with the Baltimore Ravens and did not make the team due to the injury.

Tyler Biadasz (C) - Dallas Cowboys
Jake Ferguson (TE) - Dallas Cowboys

Tyler Biadasz is a likely starter for the Cowboys at center this season, while Jake Ferguson turned heads in training camp and is probably the team's No. 2 tight end. Both players should be key parts of the Dallas offense this season.

Melvin Gordon (RB) - Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson (QB) - Denver Broncos
Matt Henningsen (DL) - Denver Broncos

While Melvin Gordon and Russell Wilson were essentially locked to make the roster, Matt Henningsen not only made the team but is trending towards potentially having a role along the defensive line based on some of the moves that the Broncos made on Tuesday. Faion Hicks was later signed to the Broncos practice squad, giving him a chance to make the roster later this season.

Quintez Cephus (WR) - Detroit Lions
Dare Ogunbowale (RB) - Houston Texans
Jonathan Taylor (RB) - Indianapolis Colts

Two of the top 10 players in the NFL are former #Badgers based on a league-wide vote https://t.co/W3Bpkz4oAh
— Matt Belz (@savedbythebelz) August 30, 2022

Cole Van Lanen (OL) - Jacksonville Jaguars
Kendric Pryor (WR) - Jacksonville Jaguars
Leo Chenal (LB) - Kansas City Chiefs

After being traded by the Packers for a late-round pick, Cole Van Lanen made the Jaguars roster this week. Third-round pick Leo Chenal also made the Chiefs and is trending towards playing this season in some capacity. Pryor was cut by the Bengals but was claimed on waivers by the Jaguars on Wednesday.

David Edwards (OL) - Los Angeles Rams
Rob Havenstein (OL) - Los Angeles Rams
Alec Ingold (FB) - Miami Dolphins
Andrew Van Ginkel (LB) - Miami Dolphins
Michael Dieter (OL) - Miami Dolphins
Zack Baun (LB) - New Orleans Saints
Ryan Ramczyk (OL) - New Orleans Saints

All of the above players were expected to make a roster this season, but unfortunately, Logan Bruss did not make the Rams roster after being placed on the injured reserve with a knee injury.

T.J. Edwards (LB) - Philadelphia Eagles
T.J. Watt (OLB/DE) - Pittsburgh Steelers
Isaiahh Loudermilk (DL) - Pittsburgh Steelers
Derek Watt (FB) - Pittsburgh Steelers
Rachad Wildgoose (CB) - Washington Commanders

After being cut by the New York Jets on Tuesday, cornerback Rachad Wildgoose was claimed off waivers by the Commanders on Wednesday. Washington also signed former Wisconsin wide receiver Alex Erickson to the practice squad as well.

Former Badgers who are currently free agents

Scott Nelson (S)
Danny Davis (WR)
Troy Fumagalli (TE)
Corey Clement (RB)
Josh Seltzner (OL)
Caesar Williams (CB)
Ryan Connelly (LB)
Beau Benzschawel (OL)
Vince Biegel (LB) -- torn achilles

Here is a collection of notable tweets about some of the Badgers who did, or did not, make a roster today:

The Broncos moving on from McTelvin Agim is great news for rookie Matt Henningsen.

Henningsen had a tremendous camp and preseason and the coaches have spoken VERY highly about him.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 30, 2022

Leo Chenal is in concussion protocol and Frank Clark is sick, according to Andy Reid.
— Joshua Brisco (@jbbrisco) August 30, 2022

Let’s roll!! #DUUUVAL
— Cole Van Lanen (@colevanlanen5) August 30, 2022

Cowboys fourth-round pick Jake Ferguson was the eighth tight end drafted in April, and it's difficult to imagine seven in his class being more impactful. His physicality stood out Friday in preseason finale. Part of his all-around game. pic.twitter.com/40ea1ohRdi
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 27, 2022

Alright folks, grab your popcorn and buckle up!

It appears that your Week 1 OLine will be:

Tyler Smith
Connor McGovern
Tyler Biadasz
Zack Martin
Terence Steele
— Cowboys Nation (@CowboysNation) August 29, 2022

Sean McVay says Logan Bruss tore his ACL and MCL, out for the season.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 20, 2022

Source: #Seahawks waiving S Scott Nelson.

Impressed in the preseason with a 76.0 @PFF grade. Only allowed one catch in 44 coverage snaps while playing slot, FS and SS.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 30, 2022

Darren Mougey called Faion Hicks "a tough cut." The lone of Denver's nine 2022 draft picks to not make the initial 53. But, Mougey points out, it's just the first day. Added, "We could call on Faion next week."
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) August 30, 2022

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