Wisconsin Badgers' Draft Drought

0:00On April 7th, the 2026 NFL Draft hits Pittsburgh in just over two weeks, and the Wisconsin Badgers are staring down their weakest class. In nearly 20 years, after a rough four in a season, they've got just two guys with real draft buzz, Ed rusher Mason-Ryger and Whiteout Vinny Anthony. That ends a streak of at least two badgers picked every year since 2007, and Anthony's more of a late round or undrafted free agent long. Shot. Scoutland's zirline breaks it down sharp. Ryger's a tall, skinny edge guy who doesn't scream pro before the snap, but explodes after. He's twitchy with quick hands to slip blocks. Chase's plays hard, but lacks the power to hold up against big tackles. Needs more muscle and better moves inside to turn pressures into sex. Meanwhile, Anthony brings speed to stretch fields as a z receiver, popping vertical routes and holding the ball through hits. His footwork hugs the sideline clean, and he could shine returning kicks.

1:00But his routes are raw, he tips breaks, production dipped in a weak passing attack, and that slim 6 foot 183 pound frame. Limits blocking or contested catches. NFL eyes see Ryger as a potential rotational piece in odd fronts if he bokes up and refines his rush. Anthony's got practice squad upside mainly on deballs or special teams, but separating from pro corners beyond go routes will be tough. Bottom line, these two might scrap for pro shots via squads or camps, but Wisconsin's draft drought signals bigger rebuild vibes ahead in Madison. Keep watching Still City for any badger surprises.