Wisconsin edge rusher John Pius received an invite to the Cleveland Browns‘ rookie minicamp after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL draft this weekend.
Pius is one of two now-former Badgers to receive minicamp invites, along with linebacker Jaheim Thomas (Carolina Panthers). The two are among a group of nine Wisconsin products off to the NFL, albeit under different circumstances. Offensive tackle Jack Nelson and safety Hunter Wohler were each selected on Day 3 of the draft, while offensive lineman Joe Huber, cornerback R.J. Delancy and wide receiver Bryson Green all signed as undrafted free agents. In addition, former Badger transfers Chimere Dike and Graham Mertz (both via Florida) were Day 3 draft selections.
Pius is off to the Browns’ rookie minicamp after one season with the Badgers. He transferred in last offseason after four seasons at William & Mary (Football Championship Subdivision). The edge rusher appeared in 38 games over those four campaigns, totaling 171 tackles, 40 1/2 tackles for loss, 24 1/2 sacks, three pass deflections and a forced fumble. He finished his Tribe career ranked second in program history in career tackles for loss and fifth in sacks.
The Arlington, Virginia, native joined the Badgers as a four-star transfer recruit, ranked as the No. 132 overall player in the portal and No. 16 edge rusher. He did not live up to that top-end billing, as both he and the rest of the Badgers’ outside linebacker group struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team finished the season with just 17 total sacks (1.42 per game), ranked No. 120 in the nation. Pius himself tallied 21 tackles, four for loss, 2 1/2 sacks and a forced fumble.
