Joe Schobert became the first Wisconsin Badger selected in the 2016 NFL Draft as the Cleveland Browns selected the 6-foot-1, 244-pound linebacker with the 99th overall pick in the fourth round.
A former walk-on from Waukesha West High School, Schobert, who started 35 games for Badgers over three seasons, totaled 154 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. In his senior year at Wisconsin, the second-team All-American, according to USA Today and the Associated Press, registered 76 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Schobert was also the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and first-team All-Conference in 2015.
"Fortunately for me at Wisconsin, there is a long list of guys that have done that before me so I knew that if I put my head down, worked hard, did what the coaches said that I would have a chance. It worked out," Schobert told ClevelandBrowns.com. "I have always believed in myself, and now, I think that just helps me go into the NFL because I know how to work hard. I’ve put a lot of time into football, watching film and in the weight room. Now, I just plan on amping that up in the NFL. Not having school take up a lot of your time, now, I can focus more on my body and in the film room.
“I’d say I am more of a calmer guy on the football field. I know my assignments and I am good schematically so I know what I can do and with that. I don’t like to get too out of control. I just like to play within my limits and look at what the offense is giving me or on with special teams, I look for my indicators and going full speed but not out of control."
PRO DAY RESULTS:
Vertical: 35 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 7 inches
ANALYSIS, ACCORDING TO NFL.COM
STRENGTHS: Very productive over his two years as a starter forcing six fumbles, recovering three, defending 10 passes and adding an interception as well. Slippery in his movements using good hip and upper body turn. Can get skinny and slide through gaps and around corners. Excellent with his hands helping him compensate for lack of play strength. Discards tight ends fairly quickly. Sees through blockers and into backfield maintaining sight on the ball. Can trim edge as rusher with shoulder dip. Assignment-oriented in coverage making sure to redirect tight ends and receivers before dropping into space. Adequate man cover skills. Plays with plus balance and is rarely on the ground. Quality special teams cover man.
WEAKNESSES: Doesn't possess the overall size or length NFL teams look for on the edge. Lacks quick twitch and bend to alter his path suddenly. Forced to make tackle attempts from tough angles due to average athleticism. Rarely bodies up and struggles to finish as a tackler with 18 missed tackles over last two seasons including 10 this year. Lacking strength to set a strong edge. Will get blown off of his spot by tackles. Not a menacing one-on-one pass rusher. Average burst upfield. Much of his production as pass rusher comes from twists and extended plays. Below average play speed.
HONORS AND AWARDS, ACCORDING TO UWBADGERS.COM
2015: First-team All-America (FWAA, ESPN), second-team All-America (AP, Walter Camp, Sporting News), Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten (consensus), Bednarik Award semifinalist, Lombardi Award semifinalist, Burlsworth Trophy semifinalist ... Jimmy Demetral Team MVP
2014: Honorable mention All-Big Ten (consensus)2012: UW Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year
CAREER: Played in 45 games with 28 starts ... finished with 172 total tackles ... recorded 35.5 tackles for loss, 13th-most in school history ... made 13.5 sacks, 14th-most in school history ... forced seven fumbles, tying for the second-most in UW annals ... third linebacker in school history to earn first-team All-America honors, joining Hal Faverty (1951) and Chris Borland (2013) ... received no FBS scholarship offers and joined team as a walk-on for training camp in 2012, eventually earning a scholarship.
