The Wisconsin football program is commonly known for its offensive line and running back play. The two positions have dominated the NFL, with big names including Jonathan Taylor, Melvin Gordon, James White, Joe Thomas, Ryan Ramczyk, Tyler Biadasz and Travis Frederick.
But the Badgers as of late have also produced phenomenal NFL talent at another position: outside linebacker/edge rusher.
Two of those players are off to terrific starts to the 2023 season: Steelers’ T.J. Watt and Dolpins’ Andrew Van Ginkel.
Through four weeks Watt has recorded 13 total tackles, six sacks, 2.5 run stuffs, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two passes defended. Van Ginkel, on the other hand, has tallied 19 total tackles, three sacks, two stuffs and one fumble recovery.
The two former Badgers have played well enough to be two of PFF’s top 10 highest-graded edge rushers so far in 2023:
The league is LOADED with elite edge defenders pic.twitter.com/BC2WSfzW6R
— PFF (@PFF) October 4, 2023