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…

T.J. Watt (30th overall in 2017)

NCAA Football: Cotton Bowl-Wisconsin vs Western Michigan
Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

T.J. Watt, the younger brother of the aforementioned J.J Watt, played in only two seasons on defense for Paul Chryst at Wisconsin and really didn’t break onto the scene until his junior season in 2016.

That 2016, though, saw the Wisconsin native record 63 tackles, 11.5 sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles.

The Pittsburgh Steelers saw that production as enough to select Watt 30th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Watt’s first three seasons in the NFL have been as impressive as they come, as the former Badger has recorded a total of 34.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, three interceptions and 177 total tackles.

Last season the former Badger was named as a first-team All-Pro and is currently set to return in 2020 as one of the leaders on the Steelers’ defense.