What an all-Wisconsin NFL defensive starting lineup would look like

Yesterday I put together an all-Wisconsin Badger NFL offensive starting lineup, a unit headlined by Russell Wilson, Melvin Gordon…

Outside linebacker: TJ Watt, Vince Biegel

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With Baun moving up to defensive end the easy choices here are T.J. Watt–completing the trio of Watt brothers in the starting lineup–and Vince Biegel.

T.J. Watt’s NFL pedigree is clear: two Pro Bowls, one first-team All-Pro nod, three interceptions, 18 passes defended, 15 forced fumbles, 34.5 sacks and 177 total tackles in just three seasons in Pittsburgh.

Biegel’s, conversely, is not quite at that level. After two seasons as a rotational piece at linebacker the Wisconsin native joined the Miami Dolphins before the 2019 season and went on to start 10 games for Brian Flores‘ team during which he recorded one interception, 2.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 59 total tackles.

He currently projects to start in Miami when the 2020 season kicks off and appears to be on an upward trajectory as he prepares to enter his fourth NFL season.

Adding these two names to J.J. Watt, Baun and Allen up front would make for a scary pass rushing unit, one which would need to take pressure off the players in the secondary I will get to shortly.

Next are the middle linebackers, one of whom is entering his second year in the NFL and has showed the potential to be a difference maker at the position.