“If … the linebacker assembly line continues apace.”
Connelly’s take:
As with running backs and linemen, Wisconsin linebackers continue to dominate no matter the attrition levels. But as with Taylor and Biadasz, the standard is particularly high at the moment: Departed starters Zack Baun and Chris Orr combined for 33.5 TFLs, 24 sacks, eight passes defensed and 45 run stuffs last year. Those are decent career numbers. While sophomores Leo Chenal and Jaylan Franklin and some awfully impressive incoming freshmen have all the requisite potential, there’s almost no way to avoid regression. That puts pressure on the other units to improve. Of course, the line and secondary return almost literally everyone. They probably will improve.
Although Wisconsin is losing significant production at the LB position, there is reason to believe that any drop off on defense will be non-existent. Jack Sanborn is primed to become one of the best defensive players in the conference at the LB position next season. Noah Burks will also be a key piece for the Badgers all year long. The secondary returns all key contributors from a year ago with the addition of Scott Nelson who is coming off of a season-ending injury that he suffered in week one of 2019. The Badgers should improve against the pass in 2020.
NEXT: Special teams could be key