As we quickly approach NFL Draft season, one Badger has been steadily climbing boards after a great combine showing. Edge Mason Reiger has certainly impressed since joining Wisconsin, and now he's even got the attention of ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
On "First Draft!" with Mike Greenberg and Field Yates, Kiper highlighted Reiger as an under-the-radar player who deserves national attention.
"Walk-on. Love these guys who are walk-ons...He's got speed off the edge, he's athletic, he's got the spin move, he's a guy who has length," said Kiper. "He brings it with great energy. For Mason Reiger, don't you think [New England head coach] Mike Vrabel would love this kid?"
Wisconsin edge Mason Reiger has the attention of NFL scouts
Reiger had a modest year with Wisconsin after transferring in from Louisville, notching five sacks in his lone season with the Badgers. Still, after missing all of 2024 with a knee injury, Reiger bounced back and has now put himself into the mid-round draft pick conversation. Along with wide receiver Vinny Anthony II, he's likely to be one of the first Badgers taken off the board.
At 23, he's an older prospect, and his lack of top-end production won't help his cause either. But Reiger had nice showing at the combine, finishing in the top five in three separate drills. It's been enough to catch the attention of one of the most prominent draft analysts.
Reiger will find a nice fit with a team who needs to add a rotational pash rusher, and could even be under consideration for the home team Green Bay Packers. His ideal size and speed makes him a solid option on third-downs, where he can pin his ears back and get after the quarterback.
The NFL Draft will run from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.