Wisconsin Football at the 2020 NFL Combine

Zack Baun, Tyler Biadasz, Quintez Cephus, and Jonathan Taylor looking to improve their NFL Draft stock at the scouting combine.

With the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine occurring this week marks an important week for outside linebacker Zack Baun, center Tyler Biadasz, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, and running back Jonathan Taylor.

The four former Wisconsin products have important weeks ahead of them as they look to boost their NFL draft stocks in Indianapolis.

The testing won’t begin until February 27th as the first position groups that will work out in front of all 32 NFL teams will be the tight ends, quarterbacks, and wide receivers.

Of the four players invited to the NFL combine from Wisconsin Cephus has the most to prove and with a good week, he could see his draft projection go from a day three selection to possible day two pick despite the wide receiver draft class being deep.

Cephus will need to be able to ace his interviews with the NFL teams that he meets with and his 40-yard dash will also be important. If he does well in both of these areas he’ll move up on teams draft boards. Cephus certainly has the talent to have success in the NFL but his ability to prove that he can consistently create separation from NFL defensive backs will go a long way.

Friday will be Biadasz’s and Taylor’s day as the running backs, offensive line, placekickers, and special teams will perform.

Due to Wisconsin’s success in producing NFL offensive lineman will be a plus for NFL scouts. It also helps that Biadasz never missed a start during his career at Wisconsin as he won the Rimington Award this past season, which is given to the best center each year.

Biadasz checked in at 6’4″ and 314 pounds good size for a center as Biadasz currently is projected to go either in the second or third round. It will take an impressive combine for Biadasz to sneak into the first round as over the last five drafts only four centers have been taken in the first round as two were drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Taylor like Cephus can boost his draft stock with a good time in the 40-yard dash. Taylor should have success in the other testing areas and he’ll interview well with NFL teams as his 40-yard dash time will either move him up in the draft and solidify himself as a second-round draft pick or move him down.

Baun will be the last Badgers to partake in the testing drills as he’ll compete on Saturday. Baun has the best chance of potentially moving into the first round. Baun had a strong week at the Senior Bowl and he’ll look to carry over his performance in Mobile to Indianapolis.

Wisconsin’s recent success of producing linebackers to the NFL in addition to Baun having a breakout senior season has led to him shooting up NFL draft boards.

As NFL teams are consistently looking for athletic pass rushers and if Baun can post some impressive numbers he could solidify himself to be the first Badger to hear his name called when the NFL Draft opens on April 23rd in Las Vegas.

Jets trade back, add capital in NFL Network’s pre-combine mock draft

In NFL Network’s three-round mock draft, the Jets trade back with the Denver Broncos and add Alabama OL Jedrick Wills Jr. with the 15th pick

With the NFL Combine next week in Indianapolis, the NFL Network released a three-round mock draft that includes multiple trades.

In this particular mock draft, the Jets trade back in the first round and add an extra pick on Day 2 and Day 3. While this mock draft has the Jets maximizing their value, some of the picks may be too good to be true. Obviously, the combine will help clear up any uncertainties, but players like TCU’s Jeff Gladney and Michigan’s Josh Uche could be dark horse first-round picks after they perform in front of teams next week.

With that said, let’s take a look at who the Jets got in NFL Network’s pre-combine mock draft.

Round 1: Jedrick Wills Jr. | OT | Alabama

In this scenario, as projected by NFL Draft analyst Chad Reuter, the Jets trade back from No. 11 to No. 15 and pick up a third and fourth-round pick in the process.

The Broncos trade up for Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb, who was just recently mocked to the Jets by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper, while the Jets trade back four spots and land arguably the draft’s best tackle in Jedrick Wills Jr.

Here’s Reuter’s explanation for the trade-back and the draft choice:

Wills lived up to the recruiting hype in 2019, showing nice athleticism in pass pro and destroying his man in the run game. The Jets pick up third- and fourth-round picks from the Broncos in this trade scenario.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, it’s highly unlikely that Wills will be on the board for the 11th pick, let alone the 15th.

If he were there at No. 11, the Jets probably wouldn’t trade back with Denver and risk him being poached by the Raiders, Colts and Buccaneers. That trio of teams could be in the market for a tackle depending on how free agency shakes out.

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Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Offensive line

The Lions Wire staff has identified which offensive linemen Detroit Lions fans should be watching at the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine on-field workouts begin Thursday, February 27th in Indianapolis but the offensive linemen won’t take the field until Friday, February 28th.

This is the latest in a series of articles leading up to this year’s NFL Combine, where the Lions Wire team has identified players they will be tracking in order to determine potential fits within the organization.

If you missed the previous articles in this series, be sure to check out our quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends previews.

Offensive line traits to evaluate

There are several on-field drills that emphasize a player’s abilities and the main areas Lions’ scouts will likely be focusing for the offensive line are:

Balance through the player’s hips
Knee bend, bending at the waist is a red flag
Kick slide: Is it smooth? Do they cross their feet when shuffling?
Mental processing: Do they react/respond to coaching or are they guessing and trying to anticipate? Do they follow directions?

Mekhi Becton, Louisville

Suggested by: Max Gerber and Bryce Rossler

Becton has been one of the biggest “risers” throughout the draft process, working his way up to be considered among the top offensive linemen in this class. He is a massive human being (est. 6-7, 365 pounds) but is surprisingly light on his feet. He has three year’s starting experience and looks comfortable playing at right or left tackle (he’s played both). If he gets a hold of a defender it’s over, but intelligent EDGE rushers will use his overaggressiveness against him.

Austin Jackson, USC

Suggested by: Erik Schlitt

An upside left tackle, who if he returned to college would have been in the top-of-the-first-round conversation. He needs to be more consistent in his technique — especially in the run game — but he has NFL traits and his upside is going to get him drafted, likely early on Day 2. He’s athletic enough to play guard, but for teams willing to give him a season to develop, he could be a longtime starter at left tackle with proper coaching.

Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU

Suggested by: Jeff Risdon

Cushenberry will battle Michigan’s Ceasar Ruiz for the title of top interior offensive line spot in this year’s class. Cushenberry’s game is drenched in power and he will be able to handle his own against NFL nose tackles. LSU scheme asks its center to be able to work on their own, which should help him if a team wants to switch him from his natural position over to guard. His experience playing in the middle should afford him the opportunity to play on both left and right guard.

Matt Hennessy, Temple

Suggested by: Matt Urben

A technique technician from the middle, Hennessy uses his intelligence and hand placement to put himself in the correct position to execute his assignment. He will get knocked for his struggles against power, but his balance and movement skills will help him find success at all three interior offensive line spots, especially in a zone-blocking scheme — which the Lions lean on more often than not.

Ben Bredeson, Michigan

Suggested by: Scott Warheit

A 51 game starter at left guard for the Wolverines, Bredeson was a rare 2-time team captain in Ann Arbor. For a team looking for experience and leadership, he will be near the top of their list. He loves to compete, showing a mean streak and toughness when squaring up against power rushers. He is well-balanced as a blocker but isn’t as athletic as some of the other interior offensive linemen in this class, which will limit his scheme flexibility.

Jonah Jackson, Ohio State

Suggested by: Zack Moran and Sonja Greenfield

Between his time at Maryland and Ohio State, Jackson started five games at center, 11 at right guard, and 13 at left guard, giving him multi-positional appeal. He is significantly more polished as a pass protector, handling one-on-ones and switches easily, but his lack of impact as a run blocker could cause him to start his career as a position flexible reserve.

Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin

Suggested by: Ty Finch and Derek Okrie

Yet another experienced Big Ten interior offensive lineman, Biadasz is highly intelligent and technique sound, which makes him more NFL ready than other linemen who will be drafted around the same time. He plays with good balance overall, but can overextend at times, and will struggle with elite power and speed rushers.

Matt Peart, UConn

Suggested by: Scott Bischoff

A swing tackle who could potentially push inside in a pinch, Peart played right tackle on the Lions coached North squad at the Senior Bowl. Strength is an issue but he has the frame to add muscle, and showed lots of promise as a run blocker this past season. Peart would fit in the Lions scheme in a very similar way to Tyrell Crosby, and like Crosby, he could spot start early in his career and potentially develop into a starter.

Wisconsin has Four Players Invited to NFL Combine

Wisconsin has four of its former players invited to the 2020 NFL Draft combine.

With the NFL season now in the rearview mirror, it is officially NFL Draft season and with the college football all-star games completed, the next step in the process is the NFL scouting combine.

Wisconsin had four players invited to Indianapolis in running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, center Tyler Biadasz, and outside linebacker Zack Baun.

The four will look to boost their NFL Draft stock as Taylor, Biadasz, and Baun are expected to be drafted in the top two rounds of the NFL Draft, which will take place over a three day period from April 23rd to April 25th.

With strong combines by Taylor and Biadasz, they could potentially be the first players selected at their respective positions. While Baun will look to build off of his Senior Bowl performance in Mobile, Ala. in order to solidify himself as a possible first round draft pick.

Cephus has the most work to do at the combine as the wide receiver class is strong. A strong combine and him interviewing well with teams should allow him to move up teams NFL Draft boards.

Chris Orr was not invited to the combine. Orr will still have his chance of working out for NFL teams whether that’s through workouts or at Wisconsin’s pro day, which still has yet to be announced when that will be.

The NFL scouting combine is set to take place in Indianapolis from Sunday, February 23rd to Monday, March 2nd.

Wisconsin Football Season Review: Offensive Line

Reviewing the play of Wisconsin’s offensive line over the 2019 season.

Wisconsin finished its fifth season under head coach Paul Chryst as Chryst improved his overall record to 52-16 and has a posted a 34-10 record in conference games. After not winning the Big Ten West Division title in 2018 the Badgers were back in Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship game as the West representative for the fourth time in the last six years since the Big Ten went to its current format.

In this Badgers Wire feature we will examine the play of Wisconsin’s offensive line from the 2019 season and take a sneak into what the 2020 season may have in store for the position:

Wisconsin entering the 2019 season had to replace four starters along their offensive line as the only starter to return was center Tyler Biadasz.

Wisconsin ended up starting seven different offensive line combinations over the course of the season, which includes six different starting combinations over their first eight games.

The Badgers officially settled on an offensive line combination starting with the Illinois game that included from left to right Cole Van Lanen, David Moorman, Tyler Biadasz, Jason Erdmann, and Logan Bruss.

That combination started five games for the Badgers over the season. Despite the constant shuffling to begin the year the Badgers offensive line still was able to exert their dominance as they helped clear the way for Wisconsin to average 233.1 yards on the ground and for Wisconsin’s offense to average 433.2 yards of total offense.

The one player for Wisconsin to start every single game this season was Biadasz at center. Biadasz has started 41 career games for the Badgers and over his time at Wisconsin emerged as one of the top centers in college football.

Biadasz was able to accomplish a first for an offensive lineman at Wisconsin, which was winning the Rimington Award, which is given each year to the nation’s top center.

Although Wisconsin’s offensive line was consistent for the most part this season the Badgers worst performance came against Ohio State in the regular season. Against the Buckeyes, they allowed a season high five sacks as Ohio State was also able to hold the Badgers to a season low 191 yards of total offense.

But in the rematch with Ohio State, they only allowed two sacks and registered 432 yards of total offense on 71 plays.

2020 Wisconsin Offensive Line

Wisconsin for a second consecutive year saw one of their offensive linemen declare early for the NFL Draft as Biadasz decided to forego his senior year. Biadasz will be difficult to replace due to his consistency at the center position making spring football an important first step in finding his replacement for the 2020 season. The Badgers also lose Erdmann and Moorman at the guard positions as the two started 12 and eight games respectively last season. Josh Seltzner and Kayden Lyles who both started four games last year will likely get the first crack at starting at the guard position. Lyles will also likely get a look at center too. Spring football will also allow for offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph to play with a variety of different offensive line combinations. Based on those combinations will give Badger fans a better idea of who might be starting on the interior once fall camp does open up.

Badgers NFL Draft Profile: Tyler Biadasz

Tyler Biadasz

As the NFL Draft draws closer, Badgers Wire is exploring draft profiles of those who have declared. The basic premise of these articles is to take a brief look at each player. Each column will take a look at each player’s football statistics as well as his physical statistics. Finally, we’ll give a brief summary of what each player offers and where he can be expected to go in the 2020 NFL Draft. Next up is Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz.

One statistic that shows how good Biadasz is as a center — and doesn’t show up on his stat sheet — is the fact that running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 1,900 yards in three straight seasons and won back-to-back Doak Walker Awards in 2018 and 2019. While not everything went through Biadasz, his level of play (a measurement of his ability) was a big reason why Taylor enjoyed such considerable success.

Biadasz is 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds; he typifies Wisconsin power. He has a strong upper body, a solid punch, and knows how to bully people off the line. The biggest knock against him is that he plays a little tall and sometimes relies on his power more than he should. When defensive linemen are able to get low and match power for power, they can bully Biadasz off the line.

Biadasz is easily the best center in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he’s not going to be the top lineman in the draft. That doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of going in Round 1, but early Round 2 seems more likely. There are a number of NFL teams that could use a franchise center. The Cincinnati Bengals seem likely to take Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick.

Biadasz, if taken by the Bengals, would give them the possibility of a Peyton Manning-Jeff Saturday tandem (what the Indianapolis Colts used to create a consistent winner) for years to come. Someone is going to get a quality player with Biadasz. The question is whether Biadasz will get a quality situation with his first NFL landing spot.

Rose Bowl reflections: Tyler Biadasz didn’t hurt his draft stock

Tyler Biadasz declares for NFL Draft

Tyler Biadasz took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce he would be foregoing his final year of eligibility and entering the 2020 NFL Draft.

Though they have been anticipated blows, the personnel hits keep coming for this Wisconsin offense as we put a bow on the 2019 college football season and look ahead to 2020.

After yet another marvelous season as a junior, it was a foregone conclusion for most that Jonathan Taylor would bring his record-breaking collegiate career to a close and declare for April’s NFL draft rather than return to Madison with little left to prove. The two-time Doak Walker Award winner confirmed our suspicions last week.

However, there was some hope among Badger fans that junior wide receiver Quintez Cephus would opt to return for his senior campaign to build upon an improbably brilliant 2019 season. That being said, the odds always seemed to lean toward Cephus packing his bags to chase his NFL dreams, and he put an end to any speculation he would be back in the Cardinal and White next season when he declared for the draft on Monday.

The third and likely final early draft declaration for Wisconsin was announced today, with junior center Tyler Biadasz taking to Twitter to publicize his departure.

Thank you Wisconsin for all the great memories and letting me fulfill my lifelong dream of being a Badger. I look forward to competing at the highest level. The NFL has always been my biggest dream and I can’t thank enough all the people that helped me along the way. #GodisGood pic.twitter.com/jTsU9k2ON1

— Tyler Biadasz (@TylerBiadasz) January 8, 2020

Biadasz’s decision comes to the surprise of no one, as many felt he would move on to the NFL following his redshirt sophomore season last year, and he has been consistently selected in the first or second round of mock drafts throughout the last few months.

Originally brought to Madison as a lightly-recruited defensive lineman out of small-town Wisconsin, Biadasz has enjoyed a marvelous career as Badger that few could have saw coming. He started all 41 games of his career, which he capped off this season by being named a consensus first-team All-American and bringing home the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top center.

Biadasz also leaves behind a legacy as the leader of an offensive line that paved the way for Taylor to rack up 6,174 rushing yards in the span of just three seasons.

2020 NFL draft: Why Jets will have tough time addressing biggest need in Round 1

The Jets find themselves in an undesirable situation with the No. 11 pick and needing offensive line help in April’s draft.

While a 6-2 finish to the Jets’ season shows the franchise is headed in the right direction, the hot streak came with consequences.

Gang Green has the 11th overall pick in April’s draft. With the Jets needing to undergo a full rebuild on the offensive line, picking outside of the top-10 is less than ideal when it comes to this draft class.

Finding a franchise tackle remains a top priority for the Jets. With that said, there seems to be a consensus that three tackles will be selected in front of the Jets. Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs and Alabama’s Jedrick Wills Jr. seem destined to go in front of New York.

Wirfs has yet to declare for the draft, while first-round prospect Alex Leatherwood announced his attention to return to the University of Alabama.

The Giants, Dolphins, Chargers, Cardinals and Browns all need considerable help on the offensive line. The Jets have to cross their fingers and hope that there is a run on talented receivers and potential franchise quarterbacks before the team’s pick.

Potential players available for the Jets picking at No. 11 could be Iowa edge rusher A.J. Epenesa, Penn State edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos, Stanford CB Paulson Adebo, Alabama CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III and Clemson WR Tee Higgins.

In a pipe dream scenario the two most dynamic wide receivers in the class, Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy or Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb, could fall to the Jets, but neither option seems plausible at this point in time. Even if that were the case, while the Jets need receiver help, the line is still the biggest issue.

The Jets may not be able to address the tackle position in the first round and they have to accept that. However, that should not prevent New York from attempting to fix the interior of the offensive line.

Wisconsin IOL Tyler Biadasz, Washington IOL Nick Harris and Oklahoma IOL Creed Humphrey all could be had in the latter portion of the first round if the Jets decide to trade back.

This draft is deep with wide receivers and cornerbacks and the Jets desperately need to add more talent on both sides of the football, especially on Joe Douglas’ first go around.

Whether it’s staying put or trading back, the Jets have to come away with offensive line help on Day 1 of the 2020 NFL draft. They have their work cut out for them this offseason and everyone in the organization knows that New York will only go as far as its play in the trenches.

Actually addressing those holes will be easier said than done, though. Especially in the draft.

Who are Three Offensive Players to Watch when Wisconsin Plays Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game

Who are three offensive players to watch when Wisconsin plays Oregon in the Rose Bowl? Jonathan Taylor RB, Jack Coan QB, Tyler Biadasz C

Here are three offensive players for the Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Oregon in the Rose Bowl Game:

1. Jonathan Taylor RB

In what is likely Taylor’s last game as a Wisconsin Badger he’ll be going against a talented rush defense that’s allowing an average of 106.8 yards per game. Taylor the two-time Doak Walker Award winner is averaging 146.8 yards per game this season and rushed for 21 touchdowns. Although Oregon has done well of defending the run this season outside of Utah’s running back Zach Moss who rushed for 113 yards on 19 carries in the Pac-12 Championship game Taylor will be the best back they have faced. Taylor’s ability to consistently pick up positive yards will allow for Wisconsin to have a chance of sustaining drives against the Ducks defense. Wisconsin’s ability to sustain drives and consistently come away with points will be important as Oregon’s defense is allowing 15.6 points per game this season.

2. Jack Coan QB

Coan over Wisconsin’s last five games threw 1,050 yards on a combined 76-for-120 (63.3 percent) passing and seven passing touchdowns against two interceptions to go along with two rushing touchdowns. Coan has been strong over Wisconsin’s last five games and he’ll need to put together another efficient game and distribute the football to his variety of targets. Coan’s ability to consistently hit his targets will help take the pressure off of Taylor in the run game. In particular, Coan is going to need to be able to complete passes on all three levels for Wisconsin’s offense to generate a rhythm. Coan’s ability to do so will make Wisconsin’s offense hard to defend for Oregon’s defense.

3. Tyler Biadasz C

Biadasz who won the Rimington Trophy, which is given to the best center each year will be responsible for helping pave the way for Wisconsin’s ground attack in addition to helping keep Coan from being sacked. Oregon has a talented defensive line as they are led by defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux who leads the team in both tackles for loss (14) and sacks (nine). Biadasz and the rest of Wisconsin’s offensive line will need to neutralize the play of Oregon’s defensive line to allow for Wisconsin’s offense to generate a rhythm. With Oregon’s defense allowing 329.6 yards of total offense and an average of 4.8 yards per play this season, the Badgers will need to take advantage of each offensive possession in order to keep Wisconsin’s defense fresh.