NFL Draft: Badgers linebacker Leo Chenal drafted by Chiefs

KANSAS CITY — After a breakout season that saw him win Big Ten Linebacker of the Year honors, Wisconsin Badgers standout Leo Chenal has been drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Wisconsin Kansas City

Leo Chenal put on a show in his final season in Madison.

115 Tkl
18.5 TFL
8 Sacks

Now the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year is a Chief after being drafted No. 103 overall. #ChiefsKingdom #NFLdraft #Badgers pic.twitter.com/EYYpJjQEEC

— Zach Hanley (@ZachHanley2) April 30, 2022

Chenal anchored one of the best defenses in college football in 2021 with 115 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 8 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Badgers. In addition to being named the top linebacker in the Big Ten, Chenal was also voted as a second-team All-American by the Associated Press.

The Chiefs picked him up in the third round as the 103rd overall pick.

The 6’3″ 250-pound linebacker from Grantsburg, Wisconsin drew high pre-draft grades for his athleticism, running a 4.53 40-yard dash while recording a 4.24 shuttle and 6.98 3-cone drill times.

Chenal was also a finalist for the Butkus Award, which recognizes the best defensive player in the country. He declared for the NFL Draft in early January.

Draft analysts projected Chenal as a third- or fourth-round pick ahead of the draft.

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