NFL draft projections for Hunter Wohler, Jack Nelson, every former Wisconsin Badger
Only 15 days remain before the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. The event, set for April 24 to 26, will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, right in the Wisconsin Badgers' backyard.
Wisconsin does not have any projected top draft prospects this season. It hasn't seen a player drafted in the first round since both T.J. Watt (No. 30) and Ryan Ramczyk (No. 32) went back in 2017. Furthermore, 2023 draftees Keeanu Benton (DL, Pittsburgh Steelers) and Joe Tippmann (C, New York Jets) are the program's only second-round picks since Jonathan Taylor (RB, Indianapolis Colts) back in 2020.
That general draft drought coincides with the program's broader on-field struggles. Wisconsin is just 12-13 in two years under head coach Luke Fickell. If the current projections hold, the Fickell era is set to go its second consecutive draft without a player selected in the third round or higher. Of course, many of the departing players are holdovers from the Paul Chryst regime, with Fickell's recruits still advancing through the program. But Wisconsin's limited draft output reflects its larger on-field trend.
With this year's draft fast approaching and several Wisconsin products hoping to hear their names called, here is where The Athletic's Dane Brugler projects each to be selected, if not signed afterward.
2025 NFL draft projections for every former Wisconsin Badger, per The Athletic
Safety Hunter Wohler -- 5th round. Ranked as the No. 14 prospect at his position
-- 5th round. Ranked as the No. 14 prospect at his position Offensive tackle Jack Nelson -- 5th-6th round. Ranked as the No. 17 prospect at his position
-- 5th-6th round. Ranked as the No. 17 prospect at his position Guard Joe Huber -- -- 5th-6th round. Ranked as the No. 13 prospect at his position
-- -- 5th-6th round. Ranked as the No. 13 prospect at his position Edge rusher John Pius -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 57 prospect at his position
-- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 57 prospect at his position Wide receiver Bryson Green -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 60 prospect at his position
-- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 60 prospect at his position Defensive lineman Elijah Hills -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 64 prospect at his position
-- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 64 prospect at his position Cornerback R.J. Delancy -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 76 prospect at his position
-- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 76 prospect at his position Linebacker Jake Chaney -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 86 prospect at his position
-- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 86 prospect at his position Linebacker Jaheim Thomas -- Undrafted free agent. Ranked as the No. 157 prospect at his position
Former Wisconsin transfers:
Quarterback Graham Mertz (via Florida) -- UDFA. Ranked as the No. 16 prospect at his position
(via Florida) -- UDFA. Ranked as the No. 16 prospect at his position Wide receiver Chimere Dike (via Florida) -- 4th-5th round. Ranked as the No. 18 prospect at his position
(via Florida) -- 4th-5th round. Ranked as the No. 18 prospect at his position Offensive tackle Logan Brown (via Kansas) -- 4th-5th round. Ranked as the No. 12 prospect at his position
(via Kansas) -- 4th-5th round. Ranked as the No. 12 prospect at his position Offensive tackle Trey Wedig (via Indiana) -- UDFA. Ranked as the No. 24 prospect at his position
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