Big Ten Football: Mike Brewster Tops List of Undrafted Big Ten Stars

As of right now, in addition to the dozens of Big Ten players drafted into the NFL, at least 28 have signed free-agent contracts with teams after the fact. That number is going to keep rising (and here's a running list, compiled by the Big Ten Network), but here are five guys we know off the bat that probably should have been drafted.

Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Yes, center is not a terribly valuable position, as far as the NFL draft goes. But Brewster was a preseason All-American coming into 2011, he's got the size to slide over to play guard and he has a ton of experience on the line. Seeing him struggle with the likes of Jerel Worthy in 2011 was an eye-opener, to be sure, but Jacksonville got itself a steal in free agency here.

Josh Oglesby, T, Wisconsin (Washington Redskins)

The knock on Oglesby is legit: he's had injury problems in his knees and he is not fleet afoot. He won't surprise anyone with his agility or athleticism. But what he will do, at a legit 6'7" and 338 pounds, is absolutely mash in the power run game. He was a first-team All-Big Ten tackle, and if his knees start to cooperate, he should work his way into someone's rotation on the line before too long.  

Dan Persa, QB, Northwestern (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

On one hand, it's not terribly surprising that Persa wasn't drafted; his leg issues persisted last year even after he hurried back from a 2010 Achilles tendon rupture, and he doesn't fit the physical profile of a standard quarterback. That all said, he was one of the most accurate passers in the Big Ten, he's strong, fast and tough as nails. That type of play is noticed and emulated by teammates better than any exhortation from a coach.

Ryan Van Bergen, DE, Michigan (Carolina Panthers)

First of all, it's surprising that Van Bergen wasn't drafted because the Titans said he'd be going in the sixth to them. Whoops. And let's be honest, if Van Bergen had more than one year of coaching from Greg Mattison, he'd have been drafted. Alas.

At any rate, RVB doesn't lack for tenacity or size, so the Panthers should be able to get him into a rotation at strong-side defensive end.

Aaron Henry, FS, Wisconsin (Oakland Raiders)

Aaron Henry's not an imposing figure at safety at just 6'0" and a biscuit over 200 pounds, and like Brewster, he's hampered by playing a position that's traditionally undervalued in the draft. But Henry's pro day numbers at Wisconsin were totally serviceable, and he's got experience at both cornerback and safety. He has coverage skills, hits well and wraps up. How does a player like that not get drafted?