Two former Wisconsin defensive stars had big nights in the first preseason game of 2021.

Saturday, defensive back Eric Burrell and linebacker Zack Baun posted big numbers for New Orleans in the preseason contest against Baltimore. It wasn’t enough to get the victory, as the Ravens posted a 17-14 win.

Burrell ended the night with 6 tackles, all solo, and a sack. Baun piled up 5 tackles with 1 for loss and a pass break-up. Not a bad way to start the year for a pair of former Badgers.

Baun is entering his second season in the NFL. He was selected in the third round of the 2020 draft and collected 12 tackles for the Saints as a rookie.

Burrell was an undrafted free agent this year and was picked up by New Orleans. He’s trying to carve out a role for himself despite not being selected in the NFL Draft.

Both are off to a pretty good start in 2021.