Wisconsin Football: Michael Caputo's NFL Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile: How former Wisconsin football safety Michael Caputo looks heading into the draft

The NFL Draft is fast approaching at the end of April, and former Wisconsin football players are hard at work trying to earn a spot on an NFL team. Among them is safety Michael Caputo, who hopes to continue his career at the next level.

One of the most recognizable Badgers from Wisconsin’s recent teams, Caputo is a fan favorite for good reason.

All he’s done over the past few years is make plays.

He has 244 career tackles (144 solo) and 20 career passes defended. He also has 10 career tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, a sack and a half, and three career interceptions.

He’s been a team captain, and was the true leader of the defense for the past two seasons.

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Caputo was a second-team All-Big Ten safety according to both the coaches and media in 2015 after earning the same honor as a junior in 2014 and garnering an honorable mention selection in 2013.

Caputo is now looking to extend his career at the professional level.

Here’s how scouts see the former Badgers defensive back:

Measurables:

Height: 6-feet, .5-inches
Weight: 207 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds
Vertical jump: 35.5 inches
Broad jump: 9-feet, 9-inches
20-yard shuttle: 4.41 seconds
Three-cone drill: 6.86 seconds
60-yard shuttle: 11.25 seconds

(drills run at UW’s Pro Day)

Strengths: Physicality, production, intelligence, intangibles

The list goes on for Caputo’s upside.

He racked up a ton of tackles at UW, though his interception numbers aren’t big. He’s more of an in-the-box safety, and really excels in the run game, showing his strength at the point of attack.

He’s a smart player, too, and quarterbacked exceptional Badgers defenses over the past few seasons.

Plus, he’s the ultimate team guy. He’s tough as nails and well-respected in the locker room. He checks all of the boxes off the field.

Weaknesses: Medical history

Some NFL teams to think twice about Caputo because of the league’s renewed awareness of concussion safety and the image we all saw on national TV of Caputo being completely lost after colliding with Derrick Henry in the season opener against Alabama.

Last impression:

Caputo had a strong showing in the Holiday Bowl as the Badgers took down USC 23-21 in the final game of the year for Wisconsin.
The Badgers leader on defense totaled seven tackles – five solo – and broke up a pair of passes.

Caputo and the Wisconsin defense held USC quarterback Cody Kessler to 221 passing yards on 18-of-32 attempts, and held top wideout JuJu Smith Schuster to just four catches for 65 yards.

Final Thought:

Caputo will be on an NFL roster this fall.

He’s talented, plays the middle of the field well, and isn’t afraid to mix it up at the line of scrimmage.

Next: Badgers Mock Draft 3.0

He’s been one of the best tacklers for the Badgers over the past few seasons and has a ton of production across the board.

Caputo will likely hear his name called on day three of the NFL draft. If he’s not drafted, he’ll be busy after the draft is over fielding calls to come join an NFL team in free agency.

Wisconsin Football: Michael Caputo’s NFL Draft Profile

By Jim Oxley | Apr 27, 2016