:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58159649/usa_today_10507965.0.jpg)
Update, Sunday 4:29 p.m.: Not that any more confirmation was needed, but Nelson confirmed his intention to leave Wisconsin for the NFL Draft in the below tweet on Sunday. The Wisconsin State Journal’s Jason Galloway has quotes from Nelson, as well as from the other Badgers mentioned in the story below.
It’s truly been a blessing ! Thank you for everything ❤️ #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/QV0UGWIbAG
— Nick Nelson (@Nickcityy) December 31, 2017
Fresh off of their Capital One Orange Bowl win, discussions about certain Wisconsin Badgers’ futures have already been addressed.
According to a couple of reports, cornerback Nick Nelson will leave Wisconsin to declare for the NFL Draft. WKOW-TV’s Lance Veeser and Alec Ausmus, along with the Wisconsin State Journal’s Jason Galloway, all reported the redshirt junior’s decision.
Nelson earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors and registered a nation-leading 21 pass break-ups in helping Wisconsin lead the FBS in team pass efficiency defense. Heading into the Orange Bowl, he ranked tied for fifth in the nation in passes defended.
Nick Nelson told me he did actually submit his paperwork to the NFL draft advisory board. He received a second round grade. "They want to see what I can run. My 40 can help me out a lot." #Badgers
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) December 31, 2017
Galloway also tweeted that redshirt junior right guard Beau Benzschawel will return for his fifth year. Galloway and BadgerBlitz.com’s John Veldhuis also reported that left tackle Michael Deiter has not made a choice yet.
Michael Deiter said he hasn’t decided about the NFL yet. Said draft advisory board recommended he go back to school and he’ll decide in the next few days. #Badgers
— John Veldhuis (@JohnVeldhuis) December 31, 2017
Lastly, he noted inside linebacker T.J. Edwards “hasn’t decided yet” whether he will forego his final year to head to the NFL.
T.J. Edwards said he hasn’t decided yet. https://t.co/O7zrA5n91g
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) December 31, 2017
Edwards received four first-team All-America honors from the likes of the Associated Press, ESPN, SB Nation, and USA Today, along with second-team selections from four other publications. According to an article from Galloway, Edwards told reporters earlier this week that “he received a come back to school” grade from the NFL Draft advisory board.