Only two Badgers were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, but how did the media view their picks? Hunter Wohler and Jack Nelson were both taken in the seventh round — the latest a first Wisconsin player has been selected since 1990. Despite their late selection, both have a real chance to make an impact right away. Let’s dive into some draft grades.
OT Jack Nelson – Atlanta Falcons
USA Today: B
Nelson has great size for a tackle at 6-foot-7, 318 pounds, with 33 3/4-inch arms. He’s a proven run blocker with good athleticism, and his instincts should help him stick as a depth piece on the offensive line. With development, he could become a reliable swing tackle.
Bleacher Report: C
While Atlanta’s veteran left tackle Jake Matthews has been impressively durable, he turned 33 this year. The Falcons aren’t rushing to replace him, but Jack Nelson — a 37-game starter at left tackle for Wisconsin — gives them quality depth.
Overall:
Nelson didn’t earn particularly high marks from the national media. A four-year starter, he’s considered a polished but limited prospect — what you see is likely what you’ll get. At 23, he’ll mostly serve as a backup swing tackle, but could develop into a spot starter with time.
S Hunter Wohler – Indianapolis Colts
USA Today: A-
At 6-foot-2, 213 pounds, with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, Wohler brought a strong mix of size and speed to the table. Many thought he could have been selected earlier on Day 3. The Colts got good value with the hard-hitting safety, whose tackling and run defense should immediately make an impact on special teams.
Bleacher Report: B
Wohler looks like a linebacker but has the athleticism to stay at safety, posting an impressive 9.55 relative athletic score (RAS) per Kent Lee Platte. The Colts value that versatility — though they’ve been known to convert defensive backs to hybrid linebacker roles. No matter where he lines up, Wohler’s special teams ability will get him on the field early.
Overall:
Wohler’s pick was received more favorably than Nelson’s, but there’s still some mystery around how the Colts will deploy him. Announced initially as a linebacker, he could shift down from safety. Either way, his athleticism and tackling ability should make him an immediate contributor on special teams.
As seventh-round picks, both Wohler and Nelson face an uphill battle to secure significant playing time. But each seems to have landed in an ideal situation to climb the depth chart. Wohler should see action right away on punt and kickoff units, while Nelson could develop into a starting tackle within a year or two as Atlanta’s line gets older.
And most importantly — neither ended up in Chicago.
Leave a Reply