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It’s been a busy few days for Badgers departing to the NFL Draft as junior RB Jonathan Taylor and junior WR Quintez Cephus both declared over the past week. Unsurprisingly, junior center Tyler Biadasz has come to the same decision and will forgo his senior season to pursue a career NFL.
“Tyler has been a great leader for us. He truly epitomizes what it means to be a Badger,” UW head coach Paul Chryst said. “His toughness, work ethic and devotion to his teammates has led both to his individual success and our team success. He is an outstanding person and I wish him the best as he starts the next chapter of his career.”
Thank you Wisconsin for all the great memories and letting me fulfill my lifelong dream of being a Badger. I look forward to competing at the highest level. The NFL has always been my biggest dream and I can’t thank enough all the people that helped me along the way. #GodisGood pic.twitter.com/jTsU9k2ON1
— Tyler Biadasz (@TylerBiadasz) January 8, 2020
Biadasz was the leader of an offensive line unit for most of his time on campus at Wisconsin. Biadasz arrived in Madison in 2016 where he redshirted before taking over the full time role at center the following season, starting in all 14 games. During that time he paved holes for running back Jonathan Taylor and was an integral part of a Badger offense that was second in rushing in the Big Ten.
Based on various early projections, the #Badgers could see four guys taken in the first three rounds of the draft, including the three early entrants - Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Biadasz and Quintez Cephus.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) January 8, 2020
In 2018, Biadasz started all 13 games as well and again opened holes for a Wisconsin rushing attack that averaged 6.2 yards per carry. In addition to that, Biadasz was rated as the top center by Pro Football Focus after his 2018 season.
After 2018, the NFL buzz started to kick into high gear for Biadasz, and he followed that up with another strong season paving the way in 2019. Biadasz extended his career start streak to 40 games, and once again opened holes for Doak Walker winner Jonathan Taylor, who would go on to win a second consecutive Doak Walker trophy. Biadasz efforts we’re recognized as he took home the Rimington Award which is given annually to the nation’s top center in college football. In addition to that, Biadasz was named to a whole host of All-American lists at the conclusion of the 2019 season.
Tyler Biadasz leads Wisconsin's top 10 OL.
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 7, 2020
He’s allowed just five total pressures and was the country's third-highest graded center in the run game. pic.twitter.com/Y3DEPy41C0
His durability and leadership at the center position should allow Biadasz to be a high draft pick in this years NFL draft. Not only did he start 40 career games, but he was the leader of an offensive line that allowed Jonathan Taylor to have one of the greatest careers in college football history. Many NFL experts believe Biadasz to be one of the top interior lineman in the draft, and the latest projections have him going anywhere between the first and third round. The latest release from Walter Football has Biadasz going to the Denver Broncos in the second round. Wherever Biadasz ends up, they’ll truly be getting an incredible talent and person that will pave the way for offenses for years to come.
“Playing for the Badgers was always a dream for me, but the last three years have been more than a dream,” Biadasz said in a press release from UW. “I’ve been blessed to be part of this program and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. We’re a family and it’s hard to say goodbye to my teammates and coaches, but I’ll always be a Badger. Now I’m going to attack this opportunity to play in the NFL with everything I have.”
[Updated with quotes from a UW press release at 5:09 p.m. CT on 1/8/20]