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It didn't happen as quickly as in recent years, but the Wisconsin Badgers have again sent multiple linemen to the NFL. Former left tackle Ricky Wagner was drafted by the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round (No. 168 overall), four rounds after Travis Frederick was drafted 31st overall by the Dallas Cowboys.
The timing of the selection was mostly expected, considering Wagner's draft stock dropped a bit after wrapping up his days in Madison.
With the 168th pick in the 5th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the #Ravens select T/G Ricky Wagner (Wisconsin). #RavensDraft
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 27, 2013
Congrats bro!! @rwagner58
— Montee Ball (@M_Ball28) April 27, 2013
Attaboy Ole Bunt! @rwagner58
— Ryan Groy (@disGROYer79) April 27, 2013
Congrats to @rwagner58 for getting drafted #badgers #NFLDraft2013
— Kevin Zeitler (@kzeit70) April 27, 2013
Despite winning the Super Bowl last year, the Ravens have had offensive line troubles the past few seasons. Baltimore doesn't have a clear cut starting left tackle right now, with Michael Oher projected to start at the right tackle position. Former Vikings' lineman Bryant McKinnie looked good at left tackle for the Ravens in the playoffs, but didn't fare as well in the regular season, and may not return in 2013.
Wagner played right tackle for the Badgers in 2010, but spent the past two seasons on the left side. Most NFL Draft experts expected Wagner to wind up either at right tackle or guard in the NFL, but the Ravens may give the former Badger a shot at protecting Joe Flacco's blind-side with no clear cut option at LT.
Kelechi Osemele is penciled in to play left guard for Baltimore, but could be shifted out to left tackle, with Wagner sliding into a starting guard position with the Ravens.
A native of West Allis, Wis., Wagner was the first offensive lineman drafted by the Ravens in the 2013 Draft.
GP/GS | |
2009 | 12/0 |
2010 | 12/10 |
2011 | 14/14 |
2012 | 13/13 |
TOTAL | 51/37 |