Five Wisconsin Badgers football players who could be drafted in 2027
With the 2026 NFL draft in the books and no Wisconsin Badgers player selected for the first time in 47 years, it is fair to wonder about the state of the program. That said, Wisconsin still has several players on the roster who could emerge as NFL draft picks when the 2027 draft arrives. It is early, but here are five players who could restart the Badgers ’ draft streak.
OT - Kevin Heywood Heywood has a prototypical NFL tackle build, with a 6-foot-8 frame, long arms, and movement skills few young linemen possess. NFL teams are always looking for tackles who can anchor in pass protection and keep their quarterback upright. If Heywood stays healthy, he looks like Wisconsin’s next potential high-level tackle prospect.
S - Marvin Burks Jr. Burks, who transferred from Missouri this offseason, has the length and athletic traits to turn his final season in Madison into a draft opportunity. He was productive in the SEC and flashed range against some of the best playmakers in college football.
With a year of refinement at Wisconsin, Burks has a clear path to NFL attention. RB - Abu Sama Sama, a workhorse-type running back who transferred from Iowa State , already looks the part of an NFL back at 5-foot-11, 210 pounds. He brings proven production, explosiveness, and a versatile skill set that could help him fit as depth in an NFL running back room.
Over his career, Sama has averaged 5. 6 yards per carry and scored 13 rushing touchdowns, showing both consistency and a nose for the end zone. C - Austin Kawecki Experienced starting centers with strong pass-blocking traits are often in demand during draft season.