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Detroit Lions: 3 UDFAs who could make an impact

By Sayre Bedinger

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Jonathan Duhart #9 of the Old Dominion Monarchs advances the ball following his reception in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at S. B. Ballard Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norfolk, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Jonathan Duhart #9 of the Old Dominion Monarchs advances the ball following his reception in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at S. B. Ballard Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norfolk, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 02: Alex Hornibrook #12 and Beau Benzschawel #66 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrate after a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the 81st Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between Western Michigan and Wisconsin at AT&T Stadium on January 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 02: Alex Hornibrook #12 and Beau Benzschawel #66 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrate after a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the 81st Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between Western Michigan and Wisconsin at AT&T Stadium on January 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1. Beau Benzschawel, OL, Wisconsin

Benzschawel was voted second-team All Big Ten by the coaches in 2016.

He was named first-team All-American in 2017 by Sports Illustrated, and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2017 as well.

In 2018, he was a consensus first-team All-American and once again a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection.

What gives? How was this kid not drafted?

At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, Benzschawel came from a consistently powerful and well-coached offensive line at Wisconsin.

Some feel Benzschawel was a less-than-perfect prospect because he was a guard in a tackle’s body who plays with the finesse of a tackle and not an interior grinder.

The criticisms of his game are fair, but to see him go undrafted completely? That’s a little ridiculous. I think the Lions got themselves a starting caliber player here and with some development, he should prove to be a big-time steal.

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