The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is over and, though no Wisconsin natives or University of Wisconsin players were selected, you can expect to hear a few familiar names through the other six rounds over Friday, April 24 and Saturday, 25.
Here are a few Wisconsin-connected names to watch for:
Mason Reiger, outside linebacker, Wisconsin
There’s one seemingly surefire UW player who will be taken at some point in the draft, and it’s the Illinois native Reiger, who finished second on the team in sacks (five) last year and had a career-high in total tackles.
The 6-foot-4, 251-pounder spent the bulk of his college career at Louisville.
Skyler Bell, wide receiver, UConn
Bell became a first-team All-American last season at UConn, where he was routinely targeted and racked up 1,278 receiving yards (second in the nation) and a school-record 101 receptions and 13 touchdown receptions.
Bell played three seasons at Wisconsin, from 2021 through 2023.
Billy Schrauth, guard, Notre Dame
A two-year starter who can play both guard positions, Schrauth missed the second half of last season with an injury but still could hear his name called on Day 2.
The Campbellsport native spent his high school days at St. Mary’s Springs in Fond du Lac.
Riley Nowakowski, tight end, Indiana
After five years at Wisconsin, the Marquette University High School alumnus won a national championship at Indiana and earned third-team All-Big Ten, starting 16 games and finishing with 32 catches, 387 yards and two touchdowns (plus two more rushing).
Vinny Anthony, wide receiver, Wisconsin
His 31 catches led the Badgers last year, and he showed his ability as a kick returner, racking up 27.9 yards per return. He started 10 games, one year after starting 12 and leading the team in receiving yards.
Lance Mason, tight end, Wisconsin
After three years at Missouri State, Mason became a second-team All-Big Ten performer last season with 398 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The Texas native played in all 12 games for the Badgers.
Tanner Koziol, tight end, Houston
Koziol initially transferred to Wisconsin from Ball State and spent last spring with the UW program but then pivoted to Houston, where the Illinois native became a first-team All-Big 12 pick and led the FBS in tight-end receptions with 74.
Nolan Rucci, offensive line, Penn State
After three years with Wisconsin playing on the same team as brother Hayden, the offensive tackle transferred to Penn State, where he played in all 16 games in 2024 and started 12 as right tackle in 2025.
He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten last season.
Max Bredeson, fullback, Michigan
A national champion during his days at Michigan, the Arrowhead High School alumnus is part of a Michigan family legacy, with older brother Ben playing for the Wolverines on his way to a long NFL career and brother Jack playing baseball for Michigan.
Max was third-team All-Big Ten, playing in 11 games after playing in all 13 in 2024. He missed the last two games of the 2025 season with a foot injury.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin names to know for the rest of the 2026 NFL Draft
Reporting by JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
