Benzschawel signs with Lions

Two-time first team Big Ten guard Beau Benzschawel didn’t get drafted last week, but the former University of Wisconsin star from Grafton still may play in the NFL.

Benzschawel has reportedly signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. He had interest from more than 20 teams, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.

Benzschawel played in the Senior Bowl in January, participated in the NFL Combine in February and March and at the University of Wisconsin’s Pro Day in March.

Benzschawel’s father Scott was a nose guard for the Badgers in the 1980s. His younger brother Luke plays tight end for Wisconsin and his youngest brother J.P., a tackle for Grafton, has committed to play at Wisconsin.

In Detroit, Benzschawel will join another Wisconsin alumnus, Darrell Bevell, who played quarterback in 1992-1993 and was named the Lions’ offensive coordinator in January.

The Lions’ second-year head coach is former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.