[jwplayer ZIk7KIV6-er0jUifI]
[lawrence-newsletter]
TheDraftNetwork.com took no time releasing their way-too-early 2021 NFL Draft big board when last week’s draft concluded.
Sometimes you have players like Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Biadasz who are sure-fire NFL players even entering a season. On the other hand, sometimes you have a player like Zack Baun that wasn’t on the NFL draft radar before he experienced a break-out senior season.
The Badgers should have some of both in 2020, as there are several names on TheDraftNetwork’s 2021 big board and many others who have a shot at joining that list.
First, here’s who TheDraftNetwork lists as no-doubt NFL draft prospects entering the 2020 season.
Linebacker Jack Sanborn (No. 72 overall on TDN’s big board)
Sanborn will be a junior in 2020 so it isn’t a sure thing that he enters the 2021 NFL Draft.
Regardless, Sanborn is coming off a team-high 80 tackles and three interceptions in 2019 and is still improving at a rapid pace.
Even if it isn’t until 2022, Sanborn will hear his name called on draft day.
Tight end Jake Ferguson (No. 90 overall on TDN’s big board)
Maybe a bit of a surprise?
Ferguson is coming off a 33-catch, 407-yard season, good for second-best on the team in both categories behind now-Detroit Lion wide receiver Quintez Cephus.
Once the man filling the shoes of current NFL tight end Troy Fumagalli, Ferguson has finished second on the team in receptions two straight years and is molding into a really good receiving tight end in addition to excelling, as many Badgers do, as a blocker.
Ferguson, like Sanborn, is not entering his final season of eligibility in 2020 but were he to enter the draft after the season he projects as a fringe third round prospect.
Here’s who TheDraftNetwork lists as more questionable 2021 NFL Draft prospects.
Safety Eric Burrell (No. 158 overall on TDN’s big board)
Burrell broke onto the scene in 2018 and became the team’s 6th-leading tackler as a starter at safety opposite current Tampa Bay Buccaneer D’Cota Dixon.
In 2019 the Maryland native improved again as the leader of the secondary as he was the team’s 5th-leading tackler to go along with two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
The senior returns to an experienced and talented secondary unit in Madison and, according to TDN, has a real chance at playing at the next level.
Left tackle Cole Van Lanen (No. 181 overall on TDN’s big board)
Van Lanen is thought of as a sure-fire NFL prospect though has been overshadowed a bit by the other NFL talent along the Wisconsin offensive line during the past few years.
The analysts at TDN mention how the left tackle “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,” and how “he’s going to be a natural in the run game at the next level.”
As the 2020 season progresses expect Van Lanen to shoot up draft boards and into one of the top tiers at his position.
Finally, here’s who TheDraftNetwork lists as questionable/fringe 2021 draft prospects and who I believe are other names to watch as the season progresses
Isaiahh Loudermilk (No. 232 overall)
Logan Bruss (No. 244 overall)
Jack Coan (No. 305 overall)
Garrett Rand (Unranked)
Caesar Williams (Unranked)
Danny Davis (Unranked)