Yesterday I put together an all-Wisconsin Badger NFL offensive starting lineup, a unit headlined by Russell Wilson, Melvin Gordon, Ryan Ramczyk and Derek Watt.

Today we’re switching to the defensive side of the field and forming a defense of former Wisconsin Badgers currently playing in the NFL.

(Side note: an executive decision was made to play a 3-4 defense and make a few minor position adjustments).

 

Defensive end: JJ Watt, Zack Baun

Along with the obvious selection of J.J. Watt, the only true defensive end out of Wisconsin in the NFL today, I moved Zack Baun and his impressive pass-rushing ability from outside linebacker down to defensive end to play across from Watt

Not much needs to be said about Watt and his Hall of Fame-level NFL career thus far, as the Wisconsin native was included in NFL.com’s all-decade team and is now entering his tenth year in the league after having made five Pro Bowls and received five first-team All-Pro nods.

Baun, on the other hand, is an incoming rookie but has the versatility to fill this team’s open slot at defensive end. Much is said about Baun’s pass rush ability–one which led him to record 12.5 sacks last season–but he is also a more-than-adequate run defender and would be a valuable versatile piece to add to this defensive front.

Next is who the defense will deploy at defensive tackle.