Just two Badgers were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, but how did the media view the picks? Both Hunter Wohler and Jack Nelson were picked in the seventh round, the latest the first player from Wisconsin has been taken since 1990. Both players, however, have a chance to make an impact right way. Let's get into some grades.
OT Jack Nelson - Atlanta Falcons
Nelson offers good tackle size at 6-foot-7, 318 pounds and 33 3/4-inch long arms. He's a proven run blocker with good athleticism and his instincts should make him a depth piece on the offensive line. He could become a swing tackle with time.
Atlanta Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews may be infused with the rare Matthews blood that allows him to not miss games throughout his career, but he’s not getting any younger. He turned 33 earlier this year. Not that the Falcons are looking to replace Matthews anytime soon. Wisconsin’s Jack Nelson, who started 37 games at left tackle, provides the team with quality depth.
Overall, Nelson didn't grade out terribly high with the national media. While he was a four-year starter at Wisconsin, what you see is probably what you get with him. He's already 23 and is fairly polished, but will most likely serve as Atlanta's backup swing tackle.
S Hunter Wohler - Indianapolis Colts
Wohler's mix of size (6-foot-2, 213 pounds) and speed (4.57-second 40 yard dash) meant he likely could've gone earlier on Day 3. The Colts get good value here with the sure tackler and run defender. That will translate on special teams immediately as he works to improve in coverage
Wisconsin’s Hunter Wohler looks like a linebacker, but he’s athletic enough to stay at safety. He posted a 9.55 relative athletic score, according to Kent Lee Platte. Obviously, the Indianapolis Colts liked his athletic profile. He should stay at safety, though the Colts do have a history of converting defensive backs to sub-package linebackers. Either way, Wohler can contribute, especially on special teams.
The Wohler pick was viewed better than Nelson in general, but how the Colts might use him is still a bit of a mystery. When he was drafted he was initially announced as a linebacker, so there is a chance they might move him down from safety. But he's an athletic player who should be able to contribute right away on special teams and provide value immediately.
As seventh round picks, both Nelson and Wohler will have an uphill battle to gain playing time on their respective teams, but it appears both landed in ideal spots to try and climb the depth charts. Wohler has the opportunity to play right away on punt and kickoff coverage and Nelson could start at tackle in just a year or two as the Falcons' current line ages out. Either way, we can rejoice that neither player ended up in Chicago.