Tony Pauline's 2025 NFL Draft projections for Wisconsin: Expert previews Hunter Wohler, Jack Nelson, and more
The Badgers are still undergoing a transition with second-year head coach Luke Fickell. Gone are the days of the power-running game that rules the day in Madison; rather, Fickell will install the diverse offense that brought him success in Cincinnati.
Yet the program will continue its tradition of placing offensive linemen, safeties, and one-gap pass rushers in the NFL Draft.
Wisconsin Badgers NFL Draft 2025 Preview
#1 Hunter Wohler
Safety Hunter Wohler is graded as a middle-round prospect by scouts I’ve spoken with, but in the end, I believe he’ll end up a Day 2 pick.
Wohler has the size (6-foot-1.5, 214 pounds), athleticism, and intelligence to play a variety of roles in secondary. He can line up as a natural free safety and play downhill in the zone, and he’s comfortable playing over the slot receiver.
Wohler is tough against the run and effective in coverage. If he ups his game, Wohler will end up a top-45 pick.
The Badgers are near historic, placing outstanding blockers in the draft, and this year they have two very good ones.
#2 Riley Mahlman
Everyone loves left tackle Jack Nelson, but I prefer junior right tackle Riley Mahlman.
Mahlman blocks with tremendous fundamentals, strength, and intensity. He’s an explosive run blocker who turns defenders off the line and anchors in pass protection, controlling opponents at the point of attack.
He’s effective with his hands, keeps his head on a swivel, and works blocks. Mahlman lacks range and footwork in pass protection, but he will be a very good right tackle on Sundays.
#3 Jack Nelson
Right tackle is the position that Badgers left tackle Jack Nelson will have to move to on Sundays. Nelson is a player who really impressed me as a sophomore, as he has a lot of the same attributes as his teammate.
But Nelson’s game never really improved, and I don’t believe he’s that much better of a player today than he was three years ago. Word was that Nelson bypassed the draft for NIL money in the hopes he'd improve his game and turn into a first-round pick.
#4 John Pius
Keep an eye on John Pius, who I believe is being woefully underrated. Pius was a sensational pass rusher the past two seasons at William & Mary, accumulating a combined 21 sacks and 35 TFLs before transferring to Wisconsin.
He has linebacker size at 6-foot-2.5, 245 pounds, and is estimated to run the 40 in just over 4.5 seconds. Pius was not just an upfield playmaker; rather, he showed a lot of ability to pursue action and make tackles in space. Pius will be a natural in the Badgers scheme and will be turning heads in 2024.
Wisconsin's 2025 NFL Draft Projections by NFL Draft Expert Tony Pauline