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Benzschawel

Benzschawel (6’6/309) made 49 starts on the Badgers’ offensive line – the first six at right tackle and final 43 at right guard – earning first-team All-Big Ten in each of his final two seasons and first-team All-American in 2018. Benzschawel’s draft stock lost steam when he tested as a 14th-percentile athlete at the Combine. Technically sound with solid film in pass protection, Benzschawel’s struggles came against power in the Big Ten, and he’s going to face a lot more power in the NFL. He profiles as a probable long-term backup with low-end starter potential who needs to add strength to get there.

Benzschawel was considered by some to be a draft prospect capable of being selected on either Day 2 or Day 3 of this weekend’s NFL Draft. Surprisingly he was not picked, and there were more than 20 teams that expressed interest in signing the former Badger as an unrestricted free agent. Benzschawel started the final 49 games of his Wisconsin career, earning All-America honors as both a junior and a senior.

“If you’re trying to come off the ball and maul people and run downhill, like Seattle did last year with DJ Fluker and JR Sweezy, he’ll be fine,” said one scout. “He kind of reminds me of Sweezy. He’ll go fourth, fifth round. For the right scheme, he could be a starter.” Benzschawel (6'6/309) has received polarizing grades, and McGinn notes that by giving him a draft grade between the third-and-sixth round. Another scout isn’t as sold. “I thought he was a reject,” he said. “Top heavy. Waist bender. No feet. But he’ll be drafted, I’m sure, because everybody says how good the guy is. I didn’t see it.” He’ll be one of the more interesting guard prospects to follow on Day 2 and possibly Day 3.

Zierlein views Benzschawel (6'6/309) as a player with NFL starting potential and said he’s a “Tall, pass-blocking specialist who will need to prove he can be serviceable against NFL power in the run game to become a future starter.” Remmers went undrafted but as a multi-year starter he’s a favorable comp for Benzschawel who looks to be a fringe Day 2/3 selection.

Benzschawel (6'6/315) considered leaving for the NFL, but after getting Day 2 and Day 3 grades from the NFL Draft Advisory Board, he elected to return for his final season with the Badgers. He likely still has those grades, as while he’s viewed as a mauler, there are concerns about how the athleticism will transfer, and he’s battled health issues as well. That being said, a strong showing in Mobile this January -- and strong combine results -- could help change that perspective.

Benzschawel (6'6/316) earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches after the 2016 campaign. The media named him to the third team. Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell is also intrigued by his potential as an NFL prospect, ranking him as the No. 8 guard prospect for the 2018 draft. At this early stage, Campbell believes that Benzschawel could see love somewhere on Day 2 or early on Day 3.

While Benzschawel is being listed as questionable on the injury report, the 6-foot-6, 316-pounder has been able to practice this week. Sophomore Jason Erdmann would probably be the candidate to replace him at right guard should he be unable to play on Saturday.

Benzschawel considered entering the NFL Draft this winter, but after receiving a “return to school” negotiation -- a designation given to any player that doesn’t earn a first-or-second round grade -- he opted to stay for his final season. Pauline notes his impressive size (6'6/315) and ability to maul in the run game thanks in large part to his ability to use his hands. “He’s not a leverage blocker and struggles sliding in space,” Pauline writes, “two red flags that will negatively impact his draft stock.” Wisconsin is loaded on the offensive line, and if Benzschawel shows improvement in those areas, he could be a top 100 selection.

“I was going to be a Day 2, Day 3 guy, so I just wanted to make sure that I can increase my chances of next year to be higher,” Benzschawel said. He received a “return to school” grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board, the designation they hand out when they do not grade a player as either a first- or second-rounder. The 6-foot-6, 316-pounder is a three-year starter for the Badgers.