MADISON, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin football program is no stranger to the process of developing NFL-ready talent. Since 1936, 273 NFL Draft picks have donned the Badger Red.

In the 2017 NFL Draft, Badgers fans watched the Steel City claim T.J. Watt. Later in the first round, Ryan Ramczyk departed for the Big Easy. Then, Titletown welcomed Vince Biegel with pick No. 108. By the conclusion of the draft, a total of seven Badgers ascended to the next level.

Currently, UW boasts over 30 players on NFL rosters. This number figures to grow after this season, as many seniors or three-year starters could join the ranks of the NFL.

So, when an NFL scout travels to Camp Randall, there is plenty to consider and reference. Specifically, many look for players that are fast, strong and smart.

Thus, there is little reason to question senior tight-end Troy Fumagalli's resume and his chance to make the NFL.

Entering 2017, Wisconsin’s only-ranked player was Fumagalli (No. 84). Additionally, he is one of three clear-cut, projected tight-ends in the 2018 draft. Only Penn State senior Mike Gesicki and Oklahoma junior Mark Andrews rank before him, at No. 63 and No. 75, respectively.

Evidently, Fumagalli has proven his rank is no fluke. As a senior, he owns 114 receptions to complement 1,430 yards and six touchdowns. Already in 2017, Fumagalli boasts 350 yards and three touchdowns, only bolstering his stock as a potential draft pick.

As a result, the Badgers' offense doesn’t perform as well when Fumagalli is out. In 2017, when Fumagalli plays, UW’s wins are decided by at least two scores. However, against Northwestern, when Fumagalli did not play, Wisconsin won by only single digits.

It is obvious his presence on the field gives quarterback Alex Hornibrook a critical hybrid contribution in more ways than one. When Hornibrook doesn’t throw the football, Fumagalli is blocking alongside the offensive linemen and creating holes for the running backs.

In the highlight video below, fast forward to parts 0:52 and 1:30. Keep a lookout for No.81 on the side of the offensive line with some big blocking plays to assist the ground game.

Additionally, Fumagalli's presence gives quarterback Alex Hornibrook a key passing option. The chart below exemplifies this observation.

As the numbers hint, roughly 25 percent of Hornibrook’s offensive production involves a contribution from the senior. Although Fumagalli's on-field production is hard to miss, his awareness as a player is deserving of equal attention.

After missing Week 5 with a lingering leg injury, Fumagalli was right where he left off come Week 7. Yet, he kept humble when asked about his performance after the Badger’s 38-13 win over the Terrapins.

“They finally cut me loose this week. I felt great,” Fumagalli said on his return. “It felt great helping the team out, really.”

Indeed, his return to the field is a great sign for the Badgers and Hornibrook. Not surprisingly, Fumagalli also recognizes something special is brewing in this dynamic quarterback and tight-end relationship.

"I think the two biggest things [on his ongoing connection with Hornibrook] are trust and timing," Fumagalli said. "A lot of what I do is over the middle, and there's a lot of traffic over there. You expect to get hit and a lot of trust goes into that; which we have done a great job."

After three-plus years of watching Fumagalli, Badgers fans should not hesitate to trust Fumagalli's ability as UW continues its undefeated run in 2017.

Soon, it will be time for an NFL team to trust Fumagalli, too.

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Jonathan Mills is a staff writer and covers Wisconsin football/basketball for BadgerBlitz.com on the Rivals.com network. Follow him on Twitter at @realJ_Mills