Wisconsin’s shaky start to the season has covered up what has been impressive play from quarterback Tanner Mordecai.
Through three weeks, the SMU transfer is completing 67.3% of his passes for 703 yards, 7.0 yards per attempt, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also added 59 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 22 carries.
Things haven’t gone great for the Badgers on either side of the ball thus far. But Mordecai’s clear ability to beat defenses and extend plays with his legs has allowed the Wisconsin offense to score even when the operation doesn’t work well. Once everything around him rounds into form, Mordecai could start putting up impressive numbers.
Related: Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 3: Wisconsin rises after ugly win
It’s a little early for NFL Draft watch lists, but NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline recently put together his rankings for 50 draft-eligible quarterbacks. Mordecai is ranked No. 48 on the early list and is projected to be among the quarterbacks signed as undrafted free agents.
Early rankings for 50 draft eligible QB's: https://t.co/h2Pk2bbxGk
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) September 19, 2023
Other Big Ten signal-callers include Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy at No. 7 overall with a 2nd-round grade, Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa at No. 17 with a 5th-round grade and Minnesota’s Athan Kaliakmanis at No. 42 with an undrafted grade. It is also worth noting former Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz is on the list at No. 43, five spots ahead of Mordecai.