The Wisconsin Badgers have started off their season 2-1, and they’ll now look to focus their efforts on their Big Ten schedule, with their first game coming next weekend against the No. 11 USC Trojans.

However, a lot of players are also looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, as the Badgers have a number of hopefuls that could hear their name called during the three-day event next year.

Wisconsin had just two players drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, but that should change this year with the number of draft-eligible players on the roster. Let’s break down all of the potential draftees for the Badgers in this upcoming draft.

Offense

RB Chez Mellusi

Mellusi is on the older side, playing in his sixth season in 2024, but he could be a sneaky late-round selection in the draft.

While none of his traits stand out necessarily, Mellusi can be a change-of-pace back that could be seen as a one-cut runner at the next level with the capabilities to play on third downs as well.

Now, teams could prefer more explosive backs that provide better upside with a later round selection, but a good season could catapult him into the draft category.

RB Tawee Walker

Walker had a productive junior season at Oklahoma, and could also get into the draft discussion with a strong year in 2024.

Now, Walker’s bread and butter is his quick burst and explosiveness that many teams will look for from a downhill runner.

But, efficiency, as well as some pass-catching and pass-blocking abilities, will be important to watch for the remainder of the year.

WR Will Pauling

The best skill position player for the Badgers in 2024, Will Pauling should find himself drafted this upcoming year, with a selection likely coming on Day 3.

As a slot receiver, Pauling’s value is diminished, but he provides good size and a solid athletic profile for the position, while working well in space and after the catch.

Pauling will need to improve on drop concerns, but the effort is shown on tape and he should have two strong seasons of volume under his belt heading into the draft.

WR Bryson Green

Heading into the year, Green was one of the more intriguing players for the Badgers when it came to the 2025 NFL Draft, as he had the opportunity to shoot himself up boards.

Thus far, the results haven’t been there though, as Green still hasn’t evolved into a focal part of the passing game, with the lack of explosive plays over the past two years standing out.

Teams like bigger-bodied receivers that can serve as good red zone threats, but Green will need an uptick in production to enter the draft conversation.

OL Jack Nelson

One of the more polarizing draft prospects for the Badgers, Nelson has looked better in 2024 than he did in 2023 early on, and should find himself selected in the upcoming draft.

Nelson has prototypical size and athleticism, which should stand out to teams, and he’s looking well-rounded to begin the year, with the run-blocking looking good on the edge.

Penalties and discipline will be important to monitor for the rest of the year, but Nelson could be one of the top tackles in the draft, making him a likely selection in 2025.

OL Riley Mahlman

The Badgers have two draft-eligible tackles that possess great frames, and Riley Mahlman could be one of the higher selections overall for Wisconsin in 2025.

He anchors the right side of the offensive line for the Badgers, and should be in consideration as well, as Mahlman moves really well for his frame, showing good skills in the run game.

With another strong year under his belt, Mahlman could very well solidify himself as a Day 2 pick, with the potential to grow even higher.

OL Joe Huber

A versatile offensive lineman with experience at all three spots on the offensive line, Joe Huber could be another potential draftee for the Badgers.

He’s now going to be a two-year starter for Wisconsin after seeing a ton of playing time at Cincinnati. Huber can get moved quickly at times at the line of scrimmage, but plays with a good level of consistency and anchors the right guard position well.

With the general need for offensive linemen on a yearly basis, the Badgers guard could see himself as a Day 3 pick in 2025.