Wisconsin’s first round draft picks since 2000

Wisconsin may not be the first school that comes to mind when you think of first round picks in the NFL Draft as even the program’s…

Gabe Carimi (29th overall in 2011)

NCAA Football: Rose Bowl-Wisconsin vs TCU
Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Gabe Carimi (68) defends against TCU Horned Frogs defensive end Wayne Daniels (96) during the 2011 Rose Bowl. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Gabe Carimi was Joe Thomas’s replacement at left tackle after Thomas was drafted by the Browns in 2007.

The Wisconsin native’s impressive college career included a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media in 2009, an Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior offensive lineman and the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year award as a senior in 2010.

He was then drafted by the Chicago Bears 29th overall in 2011 and played in the NFL for four seasons before retiring after the 2014 season.