Tag: decision

Wisconsin offensive tackle officially announces NFL draft decision

Wisconsin offensive tackle officially announces NFL draft decision

Wisconsin starting left tackle Jack Nelson declared for the 2025 NFL draft on Sunday.

Nelson completed his final year of eligibility with the Badgers in 2024. He is one of two Wisconsin products set to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in February. His departure was known, making Sunday’s announcement a formality.

Related: Significant takeaways from Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas leaving for Miami

“My five years playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers have been an incredible experience and a dream come true,” Nelson posted on X. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to be a Badger. Words cannot express how much I love this program, the city of Madison, and the state of Wisconsin…I look forward to the future of the Wisconsin Badgers and am proud to represent UW as I begin the next chapter of preparing for the NFL draft. As I move forward to my new challenge, I will always be a Badger. On Wisconsin.”

Nelson departs after four years as one of Wisconsin’s top starting offensive linemen. He began as its right guard in 2021, and then started at left tackle from 2022 through 2024. His career concludes with 50 starts over those four seasons.

The Stoughton, Wisconsin, native joined the program as a five-star recruit in the class of 2020. He was ranked No. 26 overall in the class and No. 2 among offensive tackles. He played for two coaches (Paul Chryst, Luke Fickell), three offensive coordinators (Joe Rudolph, Bobby Engram, Phil Longo) and four offensive line coaches (Rudolph, Bob Bostad, Jack Bicknell Jr., A.J. Blazek) during his time with the program.

Nelson was one of the Badgers’ most consistent players during what was a tumultuous five-year stretch. His career accolades include All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2021, 2022 and 2024.

Nelson is projected to be a Day 3 pick in April’s draft. He and star safety Hunter Wohler are the two former Badgers likely to be selected.

Wisconsin is in search of a new starting left tackle entering 2025. Top 2024 signee Kevin Heywood is the projected starter at this early stage of the offseason.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion

Darren Rizzi already expresses one thing he’d do differently than Dennis Allen

Darren Rizzi is taking over for Dennis Allen as interim head coach. He highlighted one decision he would have made differently than his predecessor:

Darren Rizzi will make his head coaching debut this upcoming week against the Atlanta Falcons, but if his debut was against the Carolina Panthers, he would have done at least one thing differently.

The New Orleans Saints were faced with a fourth and one in the fourth quarter at their own 46. Dennis Allen tried to draw the Panthers offsides. When it didn’t work, the Saints took the delay of game to give Matthew Hayball more space for the kick.

Rizzi may be a special teams guy, but he would have kept Derek Carr and the offense out to go for it. Not only does Rizzi disagree with Allen’s choice, he believes it is the objectively wrong call.

“I think the draw offsides play was a bad call,” Rizzi said on WWL Radio Monday night. He explained his thought process through analytics. “I think analytics tell you to go for it there.”

In addition to analytics, the flow of the game suggested to go for it as well. You’re up five points with a little more than five minutes left near midfield. You just followed up your second touchdown drive with an amazing interception. This felt like a chance to put the Panthers away.

From this quote, the change at head coach could lead to a more aggressive attitude and possibly more of a reliance on analytics.

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Jerick McKinnon had other free agency options, but his heart was in Kansas City

After a late return in free agency once again, #Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon said that Kansas City was always where he wanted to be.

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Kansas City Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon signed his third consecutive one-year deal to return to the team back in May.

The free agent market is tough for running backs, with several talented players still remaining available. McKinnon had to wait longer than expected for his new deal, leading to speculation regarding his future in Kansas City.

The truth is that the 31-year-old running back was weighing other options after an impressive 2022 campaign, where he made NFL history by becoming the first running back in the Super Bowl era (since 1970) to record a touchdown reception in six consecutive games.

“There were a couple of other teams,” McKinnon told reporters at offseason workouts. “Really, only one other team and another one was (on the fence).”

Ultimately, McKinnon chose to return to familiar waters, instead of venturing out to a new club. He’s grown attached to the team after they gave him a new start back in 2021.

“This was always somewhere I wanted to be,” McKinnon continued. “I said that last year. I felt the same way this year. So the whole free agency, trying to get things done and get on the same page is always a process. But fortunately, I was able to come back, and this is where my heart is. I’m excited to be here again.”

Entering his 10th NFL season, McKinnon appreciated the care with which the team handles his well-being. He hasn’t yet participated in the offseason workout program as he recovers from an extended 20-game season that resulted in Super Bowl LVII win.

“Last year was a long year. I was fortunate to make it through the whole season, every game,” McKinnon said. “But that’ll definitely take a toll on you. Going into Year 10, (I’m an) older guy. The good thing about being here, the coaching staff, the medical staff, everybody is on the same page. Coming up with a plan to make sure that I’m good to go for the season.”

McKinnon expects to make his return to the field in some capacity at training camp this July.

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Here is why Carlos Dunlap chose to join the Chiefs in free agency

Carlos Dunlap signed with the #Chiefs because he wants to achieve three very specific goals in the twilight of his career.

The Kansas City Chiefs welcomed new DE/OLB Carlos Dunlap to training camp practice for the first time on Thursday.

Entering his 13th NFL season, the 33-year-old Dunlap was patient with his approach to the offseason this year. He’s done things “12 different ways” as he said and sought to take a new approach to free agency. He wanted to ensure that he was making the right choice in the twilight of his career.

“Yes, there were a couple of other teams (interested),” Dunlap told reporters after practice. “Ever since camp started, things heated up. But I liked what I heard from the Chiefs, which is why I came out here to meet with them in person to see how I fit, see how they’d use me, see how I’d contribute and if it was a fit.”

Dunlap gave the indication that he was a fit in Kansas City, providing reporters with a resounding, “I’m here.”

Why did Dunlap choose to sign with the Chiefs over those other teams, though? He believes they offer him a realistic chance at three very specific goals that he wants to accomplish this season.

“I wanted to make sure that I made an educated decision and went with a team where there was mutual interest,” Dunlap said. “My ability to play and how I’ll be used and the opportunity to win. Because at this point, I’ve done a lot of football, but (three) of the things I haven’t done is I haven’t gotten over 100 (career) sacks, I haven’t won a playoff game and I haven’t won a Super Bowl.”

Dunlap has averaged around eight sacks per season during the course of his NFL career. He needs just four more sacks to achieve his goal of reaching 100 career sacks. He can become the 40th player in NFL history to reach 100 career sacks since they became an official stat in 1982.

As for his playoff aspirations, the Chiefs have made the playoffs every year since 2015. They have won at least one playoff game every year since 2018. They’ve also appeared in two of the last three Super Bowls.

“Those are things that I would like to do at this point in my career,” Dunlap continued. “I’m in hot pursuit and I feel like this team gives me a great opportunity — the best opportunity — to do it.”

Ultimately, Dunlap felt this decision was one that made sense mutually. He feels that his talent can help Kansas City achieve its goals during the upcoming season. In the process, he believes that he will have the best shot of achieving his own personal career accolades.

“It’s a great opportunity with a great organization,” Dunlap said. “What they have done the last few years, playing against them on the other side of the ball, I wanted to add my specialties to it.”

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Kerry Hyder on decision to join Seahawks: ‘They wanted me there’

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Kerry Hyder joined 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jake and Stacy to talk about his signing with the organization.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Kerry Hyder joined Stacy Rost and Michael Bumpus on 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jake and Stacy on Friday to discuss his signing with the team.

Hyder confided that the Seahawks liked what they saw in his play and that they made him feel wanted, which influenced his decision to come to Seattle.

“They let me know that they enjoyed the way I played,” Hyder said. “They complimented the way I ran to the ball, the way I hustled, and pretty much my whole journey… the main thing is they wanted me there, so it made it an easy decision for me.”

Over his six-year career, Hyder has compiled 108 tackles (68 solo), 25 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, 43 quarterback hits, three fumble recoveries, and a pass defensed. He joins a defensive line that features Carlos Dunlap, Poona Ford, LJ Collier, and Benson Mayowa, among others.

Hyder’s contract is worth $6.8 million over two years with a third year that can be voided, per Spotrac.

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Former 5-star Nimari Burnett transfers to Alabama

Alabama looks to bring in a 2020 5-star center from Texas tech through the transfer portal. Today, he made his decision as to where he …

Former 2020 five-star center Nimari Burnett spent one season at Texas Tech before deciding to enter the transfer portal.

He narrowed his potential transfer destinations to Illinois, USC, Vanderbilt, Oregon, Alabama, LSU, and Auburn.

In the 2020 season, he averaged 1.8 rebounds per game, 1.4 steals, 5.3 points and 88.9% at the line on 17.7 minutes played per game.

Alabama’s 2021 recruiting class currently ranks No. 3 in the nation, according to 247Sports.

Burnett made his decision through social media, where he retweeted Shams Charania of The Athletic.

This is a big pickup for Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide, as they look to rebound from a strong 2020-2021 campaign that saw their season end in the Sweet 16.

He also posted a picture of him in the Crimson Tide uniform.

Wisconsin F Micah Potter thanks Badger nation, announces plan to move on to the next level

Wisconsin forward Micah Potter announced today that he will not return to the Badgers next season and pursue a career at the next level.

Wisconsin forward Micah Potter announced today that he will not return to the Badgers next season and pursue a career at the next level.

The former Ohio State transfer made his announcement on Twitter, thanking Badger nation for his two years in Madison and closing with: “Madison will always be a place I call home, but for now it is time to move on and see what God has in store for me at the next level.”

His announcement follows similar posts by Nate Reuvers and D’Mitrik Trice, all three pointing towards the 2020-21 season being the seniors’ last with the Badgers. This all in light, obviously, of the NCAA giving players an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related: Five takeaways from Wisconsin’s second round loss to Baylor

Potter’s career at Wisconsin will most likely end after an eventful two years, to say the least.

  • Committed to Wisconsin after two years at Ohio State, but wasn’t granted eligibility by the NCAA and missed the first few months of the 2019-2020 season
  • Helped lead the Badgers to a Big Ten regular-season championship
  • Was an integral part of Wisconsin’s up-and-down 2020-21 season, though at most times was one of the most impactful players in the rotation

The forward leaves Madison with 52 games played, 23 starts and averages of 11.6 points-per-game, 6.1 rebounds-per-game, 1 assist-per-game, 0.8 blocks-per-game and shooting percentages of 51% from the field and 40% from three.

We now await the decision announcements from the rest of the senior class as the offseason continues to get underway.

Contact/Follow us @TheBadgersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin news, notes, opinion and analysis.

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Jim Leonhard’s words from December ring even more true today, the Monday after he decided to stay at Wisconsin

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was considered the favorite to land the same role with the Green Bay Packers. He turned the job

If you were living under a rock this weekend, Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was considered the favorite to land the same role with the Green Bay Packers.

It was even noted that the job “was his if he wanted it.”

Well, Leonhard ended up turning the job down, noting that the decision was him choosing Wisconsin as opposed to not being thrilled with Green Bay.

“I want to stay at UW,” Leonhard said. “I want to be at this level right now. Extremely flattered. Awesome opportunity. But it was not the right time for me to go back to the NFL.”

Related: The best Twitter reaction from Jim Leonhard turning down the Packers’ DC job

I can’t emphasize enough how important this decision is to the Wisconsin football program and their future success, as the Badger DC has become one of the best coordinators in the country, is a stellar recruiter and perfectly embodies what it means to be a Wisconsin Badger.

We can talk about that and whether he will eventually succeed Paul Chryst as head coach all we want, though today I want to turn attention to his comments from a few months ago because they ring even more true today.

It was December 23 and the Badgers had just come off an overtime victory over rival Minnesota.

The coach was asked about Wisconsin’s culture and, as he is every offseason, about whether he will entertain job offers. NBC15’s George Balekji had the video:

“I understand what UW is all about,” Leonhard said. “It’s home for myself…This was the dream job to come back and coach. Also being on a lot of teams, you just realize the culture is different every single place. Not bad, but different. There is a comfort level here understanding what this place is about and how I’m allowed to coach and act and recruit.”

There are no doubt a lot of factors that played a role in his decision to stay at Wisconsin, but his words during the season ring even more true after we saw with our own eyes what coaching the defense here means to him—that obviously being him turning down an amazing opportunity with the Packers.

The NFL will always be there for the young defensive coordinator. But keep this past week in mind in the coming offseasons because unlike other coordinators at other schools, Jim Leonhard is a Wisconsin guy through and through.

The Badger football program could not be in a better place on the defensive side of the football moving forward.

Contact/Follow us @TheBadgersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin news, notes, opinion and analysis.

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Twitter reaction from WR Danny Davis’ decision to return next season

Wide receiver Danny Davis announced his decision to return to the Badgers next season, safety Madison Cone entered the transfer portal

We had a news-filled night Monday. Wide receiver Danny Davis announced his decision to return to the Badgers next season. Safety Madison Cone entered the transfer portal, and a report surfaced that offensive lineman Jon Dietzen is pursuing a shot at the NFL.

The most significant of the three is Davis, who started for the Badgers last season but only played in two games due to injury.

Related: Wisconsin football seniors 2021 roster decision tracker

He is in line to start again next season across from Kendric Pryor, both seniors who decided to return for a final season. To say the rest of the team understands the weight of his decision is an understatement, as even incoming recruits took to Twitter to announce their excitement.

Here is all of the best Twitter reaction to Davis’ announcement:

OT Tyler Beach:

Incoming freshman WR Markus Allen:

Senior WR Kendric Pryor:

Incoming freshman WR Skyler Bell:

Contact/Follow us @TheBadgersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin news, notes, opinion and analysis.

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As deadline nears, will NFL dare flex out Cowboys-49ers game in Week 15?

The combatants aren’t good, and the deadline to make a decision draws closer. Will the NFL move out Cowboys-49ers?

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2020 season has been anything but enjoyable for the fanbase. As the team has plummeted to a 3-8 record and standing as good a chance as holding a top 3 pick as they do appearing in a playoff game, the campaign has been an abject failure. Injuries have mounted to epic proportions and the team has been unable to right the ship.

Perhaps the only team that has suffered similar catastrophic injuries across the board, and possibly moreso, have been the San Francisco 49ers.  At 5-8, they are at the bottom of their own division and even though their efforts have been more gallant, they have barely been more fruitful. The fact that the two are scheduled to face each other in Week 15 wouldn’t normally register o the radar, except for the fact that it is a Sunday Night Football affair.

Will it remain that way? Since 2006, the league has had the ability to flex out the SNF matchup if it isn’t appealing to a broad audience. From Week 11, the league can swap out the predetermined matchup and replace it with something more enticing. They just need to decide 12 days in advance.

That means the deadline to flex out the December 20 matchup will be Tuesday, December 8. That means prior to the Cowboys taking on the Ravens in their moved-twice-matchup of Week 13.

As logical as it seems on the surface though, the game likely won’t be moved.

For one, the rules of what can and can’t be flexed make it difficult. The most intriguing matchup on the Week 15 schedule is a potential Super Bowl preview as the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints collide.

However, each network is allowed to protect one game a week, and CBS would be pretty crazy to let that matchup get moved over to NBC, which hosts SNF.  The late-afternoon games draw just as much of an audience as the night games, anyway. The rest of the Week 15 schedule isn’t nearly as appetizing.

There’s Patriots-Dolphins and Bears-Vikings and… that’s about it.

The NFL isn’t stupid. Please, hold your jokes for a moment. The league knows which organizations butter their bread when it comes to getting eyeballs on their TV screens. In a season where viewership is more important than ever thanks to COVID-19 culling the in-person crowd at every venue across the U.S., the Cowboys are even more important than they have been in the past.

The latest example was when more people watched the Dallas-Washington suckfest on Thanksgiving than any other game this season; over 33 million sets tuned in.

So while Cowboys-49ers doesn’t seem enthralling on the surface, tens of millions of people will still tune in. Partially because so many want to see the Cowboys struggle, they still bring in a contingent of league fans outside of Cowboys Nation. The 49ers have national cache as well, so even though it’s likely to be a matchup of sub-.500 teams, it’s probably a safe bet the game stays right where it is, in primetime.

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