Just two Badgers received an NFL Combine invitation this year, but you can be sure that the duo will make the most of their opporunity. Edge Mason Reiger and receiver Vinny Anthony II will be down in Indianapolis this week participating in combine with the hopes of improving their draft stock.
While each had fairly productive seasons, they both still need a strong showing at the combine to jump up draft boards. So what does each of them need to show in Indy in order to catch the eyes of NFL scouts?
Mason Reiger - EDGE
Reiger missed all of 2024 with an injury, and rebounded at Wisconsin with 33 tackles, six for loss, and five sacks. The numbers don't jump off the page at you, but the Badgers played one of the hardest schedules in the country, and Reiger made plenty of plays that won't show up on the stat sheet. He's already got ideal size and length, and his ability to get to the quarterback speaks for itself. So Reiger's biggest test at the combine will be proving that he's healthy.
The talented edge rusher is fresh off Defensive MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Game, and has a lot of momentum heading into the combine. He did miss a full year due to a knee injury, and will be a 24- year old rookie, which could scare some teams away. Still, he's bound to have another dominate showing and teams might be able to look past his age and injury history.
Vinny Anthony II - WIDE RECEIVER
Anthony has had relatively quiet production at Wisconsin, but quarterback issues can take a lot of the blame. Still, his big play ability is a valuable trait, and he might be able to make an NFL squad--just not as a receiver.
Anthony's best chance at catching on in the NFL may be his returning skills. He housed a 95-yard kick return this past season at Wisconsin, and if he can show some elite speed times at the combine, his services as a return man could be highly attractive.