Badgers at the 2019 Senior Bowl: Day 1 recap

MOBILE, ALA.—On this rainy Wednesday which has sent 2019 Senior Bowl practices inside and prohibited media coverage—and even allowed only two members of personnel from each team to access the practice—let us take a look back at how things went on Day 1 for the three former Wisconsin Badgers.

OL Beau Benzschawel

• Height: 6062 (6’6 1/4)
• Weight: 307 pounds
• Hands: 9 7/8”
• Arms: 33 3/8”

Benzschawel did well for himself during the weigh-ins. He has continued to trim himself down since the Badgers’ season ended, and the added weight loss will do nothing but help him gain some quickness on the interior, something he showed he’ll benefit from during practice.

During the team sessions, Benzschawel looked much more comfortable, but he really struggled during one-on-one pass rush. Admittedly, the drill is geared for the defense to win, but he looked overmatched athletically (duh) and will need to continue to improve both today (which media won’t see) and tomorrow (which we will).

OL Michael Deiter

• Height: 6050 (6’5)
• Weight: 304 pounds
• Hands: 11 1/8”
• Arms: 32 1/2”

Deiter also did himself some favors at the weigh in. Listed by UW at 328 in 2017, He has dropped a significant amount of bad weight and really reworked his physique. There is very little bad weight on him at this point, which will help him optimize his athleticism and help his reputation as one of the most versatile linemen in this class.

Deiter fared slightly better in one-one-ones, beating Maryland’s Byron Cowart and stalemating Western Illinois’ Khalen Saunders—but certainly left a bit of room for improvement, as he was put on his backside by Texas defensive lineman Charles Omenihu. During team sessions, Deiter was lined up at left guard with the “first-team” and played well.

FB Alec Ingold

• Height: 6006 (6’0 3/4)
• Weight: 247 pounds
• Hands: 9 3/4”
• Arms: 32 5/8”

Ingold performed well during Tuesday’s first practice. He looked fluid and did a good job as a run blocker, which bodes well for him as the only true fullback here in Mobile.

Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy previously called Ingold an “athletic true FB” and also noted the interest from NFL teams for the Wisconsin product. The former Badger has the ability to block, run and catch the ball, and be a core special teamer—something nearly every rookie has to embrace and contribute on to make the final roster.

B5Q will have more coverage of the practice on Thursday when practice is reopened to the media, and the weather is more cooperative.