With the Badgers spring football game taking place this past week, many seniors were left to reflect on their days in a Badger uniform. A fortunate few were also, however, looking forward to the road ahead and the prospect of putting on an NFL uniform next weekend. So, in honor of the former Badgers’ path to the NFL, I have created a list of predictions of where we can expect the top four Badgers prospects in this year’s draft to end up, that is, if they will end up anywhere at all.
Joe Schobert, OLB
What a year it has been for the former Wisocnsin walk-on and 2015 Badger captain. This past season, Schobert recorded an impressive 76 tackles, 9.5 sacks and one interception on his way to securing a place on the First Team All-America Team (FFWA and ESPN) and receiving the Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award. As a result, Schobert has quickly soared up teams’ draft boards and become the Badgers most celebrated prospect in this draft. ESPN analyst Todd McShay currently has Schobert as the 9th ranked outside linebacker, and boasts that he has some of the best instincts of anyone he’s seen.
While Schobert has a lot going for him, there certainly are more talented players at his position. Accordingly, I expect Schobert to go somewhere in the late third round or early fourth round.
Derek Wat, FB
As a four-year starter for the Badgers, Watt’s contributions to the team have been quiet, but impressive. He didn’t get many chances to touch the football, but when he did he made them count, recording career averages of 4.6 yards per carry, and 10.3 yards per catch.
Watt currently sits as the #4 ranked fullback in the draft according to ESPN analyst Todd McShay. But while he is highly ranked, Watt still is not likely to get drafted because of a huge reduction in both the role and the need for full backs in the NFL.
In any case, Watt will still likely get the chance to suit up and will hopefully get the chance to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Joel Stave, QB
The guy who has brought Badgers fans so much joy, yet left them with an equal amount of tears, seems to have a good chance at putting on a jersey this weekend. Stave led the Badgers to four consecutive bowl games, and became the winningest quarterback in Wisconsin history with 31 career wins and 75.6% winning percentage.
For the same reasons that Stave gave Badgers fans heartache here in Wisconsin, his relative inaccuracy and immobility in the pocket may be the reason he does not hear his name called this weekend.
The big thing that Stave does have going for him, however, is his exceptional football IQ , as well as his physical attributes. Ultimately, for these reasons and the fact that quarterbacks are a premium in this years draft, someone may decide to take a flier on Stave in the seventh round.
Tyler Marz, OL
Now, what kind of draft would it be if the Badgers didn’t have at least one notable offensive lineman looking to make his mark on the NFL. This year’s man is offensive tackle Tyler Marz. The redshirt senior has been a three-year starter for the Badgers, and has held down the fort blocking for guys like future NFL prospect Corey Clement and and last year’s first-round selection Melvin Gordon. An additional plus is his experience working along side current NFL Players, which include last year’s second-round pick Rob Havenstein.
In terms of his numbers, Marz put up an unimpressive 19 reps on the bench press at 225 lbs at his pro-day. What he lacks in strength, however, he makes up for with his run-blocking skills and mobility.
Marz likely will not be selected in the NFL Draft, and Badgers fans can expect Marz to get signed in the weeks that follow where he will try to make enough of an impact to latch on to a team.
Other notable Badgers looking to make their mark in the NFL include:
Alex Erickson – First Team All Big Ten (media) wide receiver, who recorded an impressive 77 receptions, 978 yards, and three scores in 2015. Clocked in at a decent 4.52 40 yard dash and ran solid routes at his Pro Day. Ultimately, Erickson will most likely not get drafted, but as a spring semester walk-on his freshman year, you never know what kind of impact a guy like Erickson can have in the NFL.
Michael Caputo – Second Team All Big Ten safety, who started 13 games this past season and recorded 65 tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections in 2015. He was one of the Badgers’ main contributors and leaders this season, but many teams fear his skills will not translate into the NFL. I think that Caputo, with some work, will get a shot at the NFL, but will not hear his name called this weekend.