The Badger state had several players taken in this year's NFL Draft. All but 1 were from the Badgers, but all have WI ties.
The first WI player taken was Jack Ikegwuonu in the 4th Round (#131) by the Philadelphia Eagles. Ikegwuonu was a star CB for the Badgers. He had been projected as a 2nd-3rd Round pick until he suffered a serious knee injury training for the NFL Combine. Ike is a bit of a project that will most likely sit out the entire 2008 season.
The next WI player taken was Owen Schmitt, FB from West Virgina in the 5th Round (#163). Schmitt started his college career at Div III UW-River Falls before transferring to West Virgina. He's a throwback FB who has great hands and decent speed. He's a punishing blocker who will compete with Leonard Weaver for Seattle's Fullback position.
Next off the board was UW Kicker Tyler Mehlhaff by New Orleans in the 6th Round (#178). Mehlhaff has a strong leg and was very consistent at UW over his career. In his workouts he nailed a 55 yarder into the wind. He also consistently put the ball deep into the end zone on kickoffs.
Yet another Badger came off the board in the 6th Round (#181), Defensive Tackle Nick Hayden, a graduate of Arrowhead High School, going to Carolina. He will be competing for the job vacated by recently retired Kris Jenkins.
UW WR Paul Hubbard went in the 6th Round as well to Cleveland (#191). Hubbard is a tall body with decent speed. He should make a roster spot with a solid camp for the Browns.
Other players not drafted, but did sign with teams after the draft were UW P Ken DeBauche to the Packers, and UW WR Luke Swan with the Kansas City Chiefs.
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