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Wisconsin Football: Looking ahead to the 2019 roster

By Tanner Nestle

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers scrambles on a keeper in the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers scrambles on a keeper in the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 08: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates a touchdown with Tyler Biadasz #61 during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

The offensive line was insanely frustrating for a lot of Wisconsin fans this year. Despite the postseason awards and Jonathan Taylor’s success running the ball, it felt the line wasn’t playing as well as it could have for significant chunks of the seasons. There aren’t as many returning starters in 2019 as there were in 2018 but the group should still be solid.

Michael Deiter, David Edwards, and Beau Benzschawel are the three names that won’t be returning next year. All three should see nice careers in the NFL.

Tyler Biadasz

Biadasz is likely to remain anchored at the center position on the line. He’ll be one of the leaders of the group and will be playing for his draft position. He’s one of the best linemen in the conference.

Jon Dietzen

Dietzen was a guard in 2017 and moved to tackle in 2018 to make way for Michael Deiter. Deitzen could move back to his more natural position of guard and have a solid 2019 as a senior. Alongside Biadasz the Badgers should have a strong core to their line and a force for Taylor to run behind.

Cole Van Lanen

Van Lanen shared snaps at left tackle with Dietzen and will likely slide in as the full-time tackle now that Dietzen can go back to guard. He played well this year too and is the third piece to the left side of the line. Benzschawel and Edwards were key pieces in Wisconsin running right this season but it looks like the Badgers could look to run left more often next season.

Jason Erdmann, Logan Bruss, and true freshman Logan Brown could all compete for the spots on the right side of the line. Both Erdmann and Bruss were seen in Wisconsin’s super jumbo formations frequently this season and are great run blockers. It’s just a matter of who can settle in where. I think Brown has a chance to start at right tackle due to his pass-blocking ability and that being Hornibrook’s blind side. A true freshman starting on the offensive line for Wisconsin would be a true testament to Brown’s skills.