While the Badgers only had two selections in this year's NFL Draft, both players are already making big impacts. Hunter Wohler has been playing everywhere and anywhere for the Indianapolis Colts, and fellow seventh-round pick Jack Nelson is starting to gain some traction down in Atlanta.
The Atlanta Falcons didn't draft Nelson with the idea to start him as a rookie, but that possibility is becoming more plausible the closer the season gets. Due to injuries to swing tackle Storm Norton, Nelson has found himself lining up with the first-team at Falcons camp according to Josh Kendall of the Athletic.
Could former Badger Jack Nelson potentially be called upon to start in year one?
Atlanta has a strong starting offensive line, but injuries are part of the game, and if either Jake Matthews or Kaleb McGary miss time, Nelson looks to be the guy who would be called up at the moment.
At 6-foot-7, 313-pounds, Nelson already has the ideal size for an NFL tackle. And now with swing tackle Storm Norton missing three straight practices, there is starting to be some concern for his availability just a month away from the season opener. The former Badger might need to be ready to play before he ever thought he would. Still, as a four year starter at Wisconsin, he has plenty of experience to rely on.
Despite what was maybe a disappointing draft for Wisconsin this spring, it's obvious that both Wohler and Nelson have taken full advantage of their opportunities. There's now a decent chance that both seventh-round picks could see the field at one point this year.