Wisconsin Football: No Badgers In Todd McShay's First 2016 Mock Draft

It’s definitely way too early to start thinking about the 2016 NFL Draft, but ESPN’s Todd McShay has put together a preliminary 2016 first round mock draft, and it’s devoid of any Wisconsin football players, although the Big Ten is well represented.

McShay admittedly says in the piece this is a pretty futile exercise considering the amount of time left in the season, saying “putting together the way-too-early mock draft for the following season is not my favorite assignment here at ESPN.”

Still he acknowledges the great fan interest in mocks drafts even this far away from the actual draft, and to be honest, were more than happy to start pouring over whatever mocks he’s willing to write up.

Live Feed

Rutgers vs. Michigan Prediction, Odds, Trends and Key Players for College Football Week 4 /

Betsided

Wisconsin vs. Purdue: How to watch, odds, injuries, weather, and historySaturday Blitz

Wisconsin vs. Purdue Prediction, Odds, Trends and Key Players for College Football Week 4Betsided

#21 Duke Football: 3 takeaways from home against NorthwesternSaturday Blitz

Nebraska Basketball: Projected starters and depth chart for 2023-24 seasonBusting Brackets

Best College Football Prop Bets for Penn State vs. Illinois in Week 3Betsided

With that said, the first offering from McShay won’t appeal to too many Badgers fans, as there are no Badgers on the list at this point. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, as at this point the type of guys who are going to be named in first rounds are the big-time stars, and this Badgers team doesn’t have a Melvin Gordon who everyone knows will be a first round selection.

Instead, the Badgers have guys who will definitely be drafted — like offensive lineman Tyler Marz. If you’re a gambler, he’s probably the most likely Badgers player to work his way into the first round, as he has all the physical tools to be a solid NFL tackle, and has the pedigree from Wisconsin to make him worth the selection.

Beyond Marz, guys like Michael Caputo, Alex Erickson, Joe Schobert and Derek Watt all have a shot to be picked, and strong seasons out of Darius Hillary or Tanner McEvoy could warrant them consideration.

Still, no Badgers make their way into McShay’s first mock of the season, although the Big Ten presence is easily noticed.

McShay’s top three picks are Big Ten players. Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg is his top player, followed by Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook and Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa. Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones is his No. 7 pick, and Ohio State tackle Taylor Decker and running back Ezekiel Elliot follow at picks No. 11 and 15, respectively, with Michigan State tackle Jack Conklin in between at pick No. 14.

That’s three Big Ten players in the top five, four in the top ten, and seven in the top 15 overall picks. Not bad for a conference many think is falling towards the back of the power five group.

Rounding out his first round, McShay projects Nebraska defensive lineman Maliek Collins the No. 27 pick and Ohio State outside linebacker Darron Lee the No. 30 overall pick, saying Ohio State defensive tackle Adolphus Washington also warranted consideration in the opening round.

Next: Big Ten Week Three Power Rankings

Wisconsin Football: No Badgers In Todd McShay’s First 2016 Mock Draft

By Jim Oxley | Sep 24, 2015

More from Badger of Honor