2015 NFL Draft: Mock Drafting Wisconsin Badgers Standouts
By Jim Oxley
Nov 1, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (78) takes on Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Djwany Mera (93) and defensive back Johnathan Aiken (26) at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Rob Havenstein
Taylor Johnson: Wisconsin has a knack for producing some great offensive linemen that succeed at the next level. Rob Havenstein is another player in a long lineage of linemen that will jump to the NFL and be successful. He’s blocked for some great runners (Montee Ball, James White, Melvin Gordon) and has shown on numerous occasions his strength is run blocking.
Do I think he needs to improve on his pass blocking? Absolutely. But I have no doubt in my mind that will happen. He’s a run blocker first and will land on a team that wants to pound the ball on the ground. A team like the Cincinnati Bengals who would like to start establishing the run game even more in the coming years. They also need help at the tackle position. Might be a slight stretch, but I see the Bengals picking Havenstein in the third round.
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Cincinnati Bengals, R3 No. 85
Jon Rzepecki: I have a feeling Rob is going to stay close to home. Not as close as Green Bay, but close enough to pair up with another Wisconsin alumnus in Ohio. After years spent with average to mediocre to maddening quarterback play in Wisconsin, Havenstein showed some truly great work on the run. He’s a solid right tackle prospect that could later transition to left when needed. I think Cleveland takes a look at him in the third, but ends up further south.
Cincinnati Bengals, R3 No. 85
Jim Oxley: Havenstein had a poor showing at the NFL combine, but made amends at his pro day. Still, drills and lifts don’t do justice what Havenstein does on the field. The tape shows he can run block, and NFL teams know it. With their second selection of the third round, I think Havenstein finds himself blocking for another stud running back – Jamaal Charles – out in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs, R3 No. 98 (Compensatory selection)
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