Where did every former Wisconsin player end up in the 2024 NFL Draft or via undrafted free agency?
The Wisconsin Badgers saw two of their players get drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, while several others have found a home for the next year as they compete as undrafted free agents.
It was a different year for the Badgers, who didn’t hear a name called until the fourth round, but the fireworks continued from there, especially as the undrafted free agent pool started to materialize.
Here’s where every former Badgers player went in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Draft
Round 4, Pick 117: Indianapolis Colts select Tanor Bortolini
Bortolini became the first Badgers player selected when the Indianapolis Colts took him with the No. 117 selection midway through the fourth round.
The Colts went with back-to-back offensive linemen after taking Pitt’s Matt Goncalves in the third round before going to the interior with Bortolini at No. 117.
Bortolini could be a future replacement for current center Ryan Kelly, who is entering the final year of his contract in his age-31 season.
Round 4, Pick 134: New York Jets select Braelon Allen
Allen became the second Badgers player selected, heading to the New York Jets with the second-to-last pick in the fourth round.
In joining New York, Allen reunites with former Badgers offensive lineman Joe Tippman and adds to a backfield headlined by Breece Hall.
Allen adds a power element to the combination of Hall and Israel Abanikanda, potentially filling the role that the Jets hoped Dalvin Cook would fill last season.
Undrafted Free Agents
QB Tanner Mordecai to the San Francisco 49ers
After going undrafted, Tanner Mordecai signed an undrafted free agent contract with the 49ers.
Enduring ups and downs in his lone year at Wisconsin, Mordecai brings a “gamer” mentality to San Francisco, who currently has Brock Purdy, Joshua Dobbs, and Brandon Allen at quarterback.
I could see Mordecai developing for one year on the practice squad before evolving into San Francisco’s top backup option in 2025.
LB Maema Njongmeta to the Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals spent a $15,000 signing bonus to get Maema Njongmeta, according to Aaron Wilson.
Wisconsin linebacker Maema Njongmeta signing with #Bengals with a $15,000 signing bonus, per a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 28, 2024
Njongmeta will compete for a roster spot as a linebacker for a Cincinnati team that is looking for competition at the position.
LS Peter Bowden to the Green Bay Packers
One Badgers player is staying home as long snapper Peter Bowden is heading to the Green Bay Packers.
A finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award, given to the best long snapper in the nation, in 2023, Bowden should immediately compete for the starting job this offseason.
TE Hayden Rucci to the Miami Dolphins
Hayden Rucci has also found a home, as he inked an undrafted free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins after the draft.
Miami currently has five tight ends on the roster: Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, Jody Fortson, Julian Hill, and Tanner Connor.
Elsewhere
Former RB Isaac Guerendo to the San Francisco 49ers
A former Badgers player got the call as well, as Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo was taken in the fourth round by the San Francisco 49ers.
Guerendo, who impressed with his 4.33 40-yard speed at the NFL Combine, should fit well as a one-cut runner, playing similarly to fellow back Elijah Mitchell, who is on the last year of his contract.
S Travian Blaylock to the Chicago Bears
The Badgers safety got a camp invite with the Chicago Bears, marking the next step in his football career.
After dealing with injuries over portions of his collegiate career, Blaylock and his speed will look to impress during rookie minicamp soon.
CB Jason Maitre to the Seattle Seahawks
Another former Badgers defensive back earning an opportunity with Jason Maitre, who is heading to camp with the Seattle Seahawks.
Maitre spent one year with the Badgers after a career at Boston College, and will look to make his mark as well with the NFL minicamp opportunity.