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…

Erasmus James (18th overall in 2005)

US Presswire Sports Archive
Wisconsin Badgers defensive end #90 Erasmus James during a break in the action against the Penn State Nittany Lions that set an attendance record of 82,179 spectators at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Ron Scheffler – USA TODAY Sports

Erasmus James is another example of a former Badger defensive lineman getting selected in the first round but not being able to stay long in the NFL.

After being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American as a senior for the Badgers in 2004, James was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and actually had an extremely productive rookie season.

Unfortunately, due to injuries, the former Badger’s 2006 and 2007 seasons were cut short and the Vikings traded him to the Redskins before the 2008 season.

James never saw the field in Washington and retired with five sacks, one forced fumble and 38 total tackles.

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