When former University of Wisconsin linebacker Joe Schobert got his name called during this past weekend’s NFL draft as the first pick of the fourth round by the Cleveland Browns, there was a strong possibility that he would be the first and last former Badger to hear their name announced.
While there were plenty of Wisconsin players with their names eligible to be called, Schobert was the only name that was a lock to be drafted.
It may have taken another 99 picks, but eventually, Schobert was no longer alone as the only Badger in the NFL, as the San Diego Chargers took fullback Derek Watt with the 198th overall pick — the 23rd pick of the sixth round.
And with that came no shortage of congratulations for the second Watt brother to have the opportunity of playing at the next level.
Woohoooo!!!! So proud of you bro!!!! pic.twitter.com/kC100ZP7Gy
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) April 30, 2016
Could not be happier or more proud bro!!! Incredible!!! I'm definitely coming to visit!!! @DerekWatt34
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) April 30, 2016
From Pewaukee to the NFL. So proud of you broski!!! #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/I4lxUVSr3s
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) April 30, 2016
Watt joins another former Badger in the Charger’s backfield in running back Melvin Gordon, who struggled a bit in his rookie campaign in 2015. Blocking for the former Heisman trophy candidate will be nothing new for Watt, and Gordon doesn’t seem to mind reuniting with his former lead blocker.
@DerekWatt34 glad to have you back bro #BoltUp #Congrats
— F L ⚡️ S H (@Melvingordon25) April 30, 2016
As for Schobert, he’ll join a former Wisconsin great himself in offensive lineman Joe Thomas, who was drafted by the Browns in 2007. The linebacker will also join former Penn State defensive lineman Carl Nassib, who the Browns selected in the third round of this year’s draft. Nassib was the player who beat out Schobert in the competition to be named the 2015 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Extremely happy and blessed to be a member of the Cleveland Browns organization #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/B03aCETA5Q
— Joe Schobert (@JoeTheScho) May 1, 2016
While Watt will likely have to fight hard to earn a spot on San Diego’s final roster, Schobert is in a position to possibly contribute in his debut season with the Browns, even if that may be on special teams where the linebacker showed he is more than capable of contributing.
And even though Watt and Schobert were the only Badgers selected in this weekend’s draft, seven other former UW players were signed as undrafted free agents.
The biggest name to be signed was quarterback Joel Stave, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, both wide receiver Alex Erickson and cornerback Darius Hillary signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, offensive lineman Tyler Marz signed with the Tennessee Titans, wide receiver/safety Tanner McEvoy signed with the Seattle Seahawks, tight end Austin Traylor signed with the Dallas Cowboys and safety Michael Caputo was the last to sign with the New Orleans Saints.
