NFL Draft 2020: Badgers only mock draft

It’s finally here: the only shred of normalcy in the sports world we’ve had in the past month and a half or so. Luckily for us sports fans, the football world never sleeps, as America’s most popular sports and possibly favorite thing(?) must go on.

The Wisconsin Badgers should have a few of their former players called fairly early in this year’s draft, along with some mid-round selections and at least one player signed as an undrafted free agent. With the the uncertainty involving rookie mini camps and things of that ilk, I’ll err on the side of those things still happening in some capacity.

So, without any further ado: the 2020 Badgers only mock draft!

With the 23rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

With the mass exodus New England has endured this season, even aside from Tom Brady, Bill Belichick will begin rebuilding the defense that will undoubtedly be leaned on now that TB12 is no longer in the building.

Baun will fill the Kyle Van Noy role in the Patriots defense, a partial blitzer/pass rusher/coverage player whose versatility and football IQ will allow him to be used in multiple ways in the New England defensive scheme. Baun becomes the first Badger to be selected in the first round since T.J. Watt in the 2017 draft.

With the 42nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

With the Jaguars looking to move on from Leonard Fournette, Taylor becomes an enticing option to take the lead in a backfield looking for some identity and direction.

Taylor has to shore up his ball security issues, but there’s never been a more productive rusher in college football history in a three year span. He’s improved as a receiver throughout his time in college, but his pass protection will also need some work. Taylor should get a lot of work early, which will help the Jaguars with Gardner Minshew at the helm.

IMAGINE ALL OF THE FRED TAYLOR JERSEYS THAT COULD BE REPACKAGED @jaguars

With the 92nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select: Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin

Biadasz played through injury in 2019 and it showed, as he took a step back from his 2017-18 form as a blocker. It was apparent his core strength wasn’t where it had been, as he fell off of a lot of blocks that he didn’t earlier in his career.

However, Biadasz is a steal for the Ravens in the 3rd round, as the best front office in football continues to let other teams make mistakes. Biadasz was considered a first round prospect in 2018 had he come out, and the Ravens will bank on Biadasz getting healthy (he didn’t test this offseason due to a post-season surgery), and he can play center or guard, and be a solid starter for a decade.

With the 175th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select: Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin

While Cephus could get lost in the shuffle, to an extent, in this loaded wide receiver class, after the first 10-15 guys, it’s all about finding your flavor or preference in this class, as I’m not real convinced WRs 15-30 are separated by all that much.

Green Bay finds an upgrade to their wide receiver room in Cephus, who provides a different skill set than the seemingly unending line of 6’4” 215 pound bodies the Packers have at the position. His ability to be physical through the catch point and create separation throughout the route will help him at the next level. He likely won’t make a ton of impact in year one, but I could Cephus becoming a WR3 for a team in year two or three.

Undrafted Free Agents/Rookie Camp invites

• Chris Orr signs as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos

Orr fits in well with Vic Fangio’s 3-4 base defense, and will be a special teams demon for Denver. He could also be used at times as a sub package rusher, as his blitzing ability as a linebacker is one of his most appealing traits.

• Jason Erdmann - rookie camp invite with the Las Vegas Raiders
• A.J. Taylor - rookie camp invite with the Cincinnati Bengals
• Tyler Johnson - rookie camp invite with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

No matter how this weekend ends up for the former Badgers in this draft class, we wish them the best of luck with their futures!