The 2016 NFL Draft is finally upon us, and it has already been a wild ride without a single pick being made. Despite multiple All-Big Ten players and position award winners lining up from the Wisconsin Badgers side of the draft, the first few days may be a bit boring for UW fans.
With that in mind, here is what one should be looking for in the 2016 NFL Draft from a Badgers perspective.
Who Gets Drafted First
Joe Schobert, OLB
There wasn’t a faster riser on the Badgers roster than Schobert over the last two years. The Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and an All-American this past season, he’s got what it takes to be a good player at the next level.
While the “measurables” won’t wow anyone, put the tape on and that all goes out the window. Schobert had himself a good combine and has only gotten more attention from NFL GM’s since that time. The only question is if he grades out high enough to go in the late second round or will he have to wait until way later in to Friday night to hear his name called in the third round.
In a year where the Badgers collection of NFL talent is down overally, Schobert is clearly the best of the projected players at the next level.
Highest Upside
Alex Erickson, WR
Badgers fans were often left wondering where the passing game would’ve been without Alex Erickson. That is a complement to his skill set and his longevity on this team. However, many wonder if he will be able to stick at the next level.
Many of those questions were put to rest when Erickson blew some people away with a pro day-best 4.44 40-yard dash time. There were
He’s faster than some thought, more athletic overall than some thought and consider these numbers from our recruiting partners at Badger247:
Erickson ran a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, a 4.14 in the pro agility, a 6.65 in the 3-cone drill, and a 10.94 in the 60-yard shuttle. All of these numbers would have been top five at the NFL combine among wide receivers.
Tell me again how there isn’t a spot for him on an NFL roster? If Jared Abbrederis can stick around for a few years and flourish as his career unfolds despite injuries and concussion issues, Erickson could be a breakout player in the right offense.
It doesn’t hurt he’s at a position that is at its height of importance in the league and that he’s as reliable as they come. Don’t be surprised to see him become an above-average player that turns some heads early on in his career.
Most Shocking Moment for Badgers Player
Michael Caputo, S
Caputo could be a victim of his own ability here, because the NFL level is all about coverage safeties and the interceptions. However, Caputo is a great safety against the run and around the line of scrimmage. While he was easily UW’s most important defensive player the last few years, we’re not so sure the NFL has a real home for him.
Unless some team fell in love with a project in coverage at the East-West Shrine Game, where he showcased some ballhawking ability, it could be a long weekend for the former Badgers captain. Don’t be surprised to not even hear his name called…but don’t be surprised to fall to a team that understands his skill set and has a way to use him. He’ll be a great special teams player while working on the finer points of coverage..I’d liken him to a poor man’s Micah Hyde, and there are always spots for guys like that. It just may come vie the UDFA route.
Longest NFL Career
Darius Hillary, CB
While we could’ve easily put him in the “highest upside” category, those who have seen Hillary play close up and in person understand that the stats do lie when it comes to him. In fact, many opposing coaches we talked to around the Big Ten simply said they didn’t enjoy throwing to the guy he was covering.
Just how productive was Hillary against great competition? Simply ask JuJu Smith (USC), Leonte Carroo (Rutgers), Stefon Diggs (Maryland) and Robert Foster (Alabama). Those four combined for a grand total of 10 receptions for 153 yards and a grand total of one touchdown.
It also doesn’t hurt that he went out and ran a crazy 4.46 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, nor did it hurt that NFL execs completely understand that UW cornerbacks were in a unique position in Dave Aranda’s defense — often left one-on-one all the way down the field.
In the pass-crazy NFL, there is always going to be a need for intriguing cornerbacks and if Hillary gets in the right situation look for his name to be around for a long time in the league.
Who Will Be Biggest Bust
Tyler Marz, OT
There’s no doubt that Marz had himself a nice career at the University of Wisconsin, but at a position and a position group that has produced plenty of NFL Hall of Fame talent from the distant and not-so-distant past…he’s simply not on that level.
In fact, he may be the player that is taken because of the name on his jersey more than his individual ability. Don’t be surprised to see him go somewhere in the sixth or seventh round of the draft, and don’t be surprised to see him not in the NFL in a year or two.
At a position that requires athleticism unlike any other along the line in the NFL of today, Marz is not a Joe Thomas or even a Josh Oglesby. He may see a cup of coffee in the league, but he certainly isn’t the prototype of Wisconsin left tackles taken in the draft.
Badgers That Will Get Drafted:
Joe Schobert (2nd-4th round)
Darius Hillary (5th-7th round)
Alex Erickson (5th-7th round)
Joel Stave (6th-7th round)
Tyler Marz (6th-7th round)
Tanner McEvoy (7th round)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
