Report: Wisconsin OL Beau Benzschawel to sign with Detroit Lions as UDFA

It came as a surprise to many on Saturday afternoon when the name of Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel was not called during the 2019 NFL Draft. However, it appears he now has a home.

According to a report by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Benzschawel “is signing” with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. The veteran NFL Network insider also tweeted that the Wisconsin guard received more than 20 offers, which is not surprising given his production at the collegiate level.

According to Wisconsin, Benzschawel started 49 consecutive career games at UW with the final 43 as an anchor at the right guard spot. During the past two seasons, he claimed consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors, along with adding quite a few All-America nods to his resumé as well.

After the 2017 season, Sports Illustrated listed Benzschawel as a first-team All-America. He followed up that performance with consensus first-team All-America accolades in 2018, as seven publications gave him that distinction.

After his Wisconsin career, Benzschawel performed down in Mobile, Ala., for the 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl, then also participated in the 40-yard dash and bench press during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis earlier this year.

Benzschawel also performed drills and worked out for NFL teams in positional drills during UW’s pro day in March.