Wisconsin Football: 4 Badgers Selected in Recent 7-Round Mock Draft
By Paul Bretl
A recent 7-round mock draft was released and four Wisconsin Football players were selected. Here is breakdown of who they are and where they were selected.
The Wisconsin Football team has just one game left in the 2019 season and it’s the ‘Granddaddy of Them All’ – the Rose Bowl. While we will certainly enjoy watching our Badgers play in Pasadena, once the game ends, the NFL draft process begins for many college football players, including a number of Badgers.
And although there is a long way to go before we reach the NFL draft in April and without a doubt a lot is going to change, there are still mock drafts being released left and right, including this 7-round mock from Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports.
Wilson had four Wisconsin Badgers being selected in this particular mock draft, so I take a look at where they are being drafted, provide some insight into each player from a few of the experts over at The Draft Network, and give my big takeaways from each pick. So let’s dive in!
Round 2, Pick 35: Tyler Biadasz – Miami
"“Absolute war daddy who can beat interior defenders in so many different ways. He’s nimble, light footed and fluid when he’s looking to play out in space or scrape laterally to get leverage on reach blocks. Alternatively, he’ll uproot defenders in drive block situations with good leg drive, effective lower body power and a potent punch.”"
Takeaway: Tyler Biadasz is about as consistent and technically sound of a first year offensive lineman that you will find and he should have a very successful NFL career. Biadasz capped off his final year at Wisconsin with a stellar performance in which he allowed just four total pressures in 352 pass-blocking attempts according to Pro Football Focus and was the winner of the Rimington Trophy – an award given to the Nation’s top interior offensive lineman. Personally, I don’t think he’s going to make it to the second round as he is projected to do so here, and a number of other mock drafts agree.
Round 3, Pick 69: Jonathan Taylor – Miami
"“Impressive blend of size, power and speed. Love how he always runs square and behind his pads. Terrific power throughout his frame which leads to consistent output after contact. Always falls forward and finishes his runs. Has more big play potential than expected for a 220-pound runner. Smooth, easy accelerator that is capable of running away from defensive backs.”"
Takeaway: There isn’t a whole lot that Jonathan Taylor hasn’t accomplished over his three years at Wisconsin. He’s totaled over 6,000 rushing yards and 55 total touchdowns. And this year once again, he was named to the All-American team and the winner of the Doak Walker Award. Taylor even became a bigger factor in the passing game this year with 24 receptions for 209 yards and five touchdowns, all of which were career highs by a wide margin.
Just like with Biadasz, I do think the third round is a bit later than when Taylor will actually be selected, however, in recent seasons the running back position has been devalued in the NFL and there are concerns about Taylor’s workload at Wisconsin.
Round 4, Pick 112: Zack Baun – Houston
"“Take every stereotype you know about a Wisconsin rush linebacker and Baun fits the mold. He’s quick, he’s agile, he loves stunts and working back inside oversetting tackles. He plays his butt off — every single snap. Technically refined with his punch, he offers good pop and will effectively offset a tackle’s pads when he’s looking to stack up the line of scrimmage. Baun can do a lot of things to an adequate to plus level — and he’s put over the top courtesy of motor and football intelligence.”"
Takeaway: Zack Baun is one of those players that has improved every year that he’s been at Wisconsin and it all culminated with an outstanding senior year campaign. Baun led the team with 12.5 sacks, while also accumulating 70 total tackles, an interception, two forced fumbles and a ridiculous pass-rush win rate of 21.1 percent. In the end, Baun was named a Second Team All-American and whoever selects him, will be getting one heck of a football player.
Round 6, Pick 203: Cole Van Lanen – Pittsburgh
"“Van Lanen is an absolute load coming off the snap. He’s got natural power for days thanks to his foot drive and mass, once he’s able to create any level of forward push, he’s consistent in his efforts to continue to balloon the point of attack. Really enjoyable to watch him in gap/power concepts to continue pushing pace and collapsing defenders off of the football — he’s going to be a natural in the run game at the next level.”"
Takeaway: Cole Van Lanen was able to put together a very nice season as the Wisconsin Badgers’ left tackle and was a key member of what was one of the best rushing offenses in college football. Van Lanen would go on to earn Second Team All-Big Ten honors, however, if he is projected to go this late in the draft, my gut says that he will be back for another year at Wisconsin to continue his development.
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While these two players, in particular didn’t make Wilson’s 7-round mock draft this time around, there is still plenty of film to watch and workouts to be completed before April. So obviously things can and will change. But two more Badger names to keep your eyes on during the draft process that were left off of this list, are linebacker Chris Orr and wide receiver Quintez Cephus.