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.