After looking ant quarterbacks and running backs, up next are the pass catchers. Wide receivers and tight ends are questionable positions this year. Wisconsin needs to replace Danny Davis, Kendric Pryor and Jake Ferguson. All three were starters and impact players throughout their careers, and these position groups are either young or inexperienced. However, the potential is there, and they could surprise Badger fans.
Starters: Chimere Dike and Skyler Bell
There's no doubt junior Chimere Dike will be the No. 1 receiver for the Badgers. He has the most experience and has learned over the last few seasons. While he only recorded 19 catches for 272 yards and one score last season, I love the separation he can get from defenders. His potential yards after the catch are there as well. He has the tools to be what Wisconsin needs for a No. 1 wideout.
Skyler Bell’s ceiling is as high as any receiver or young player on this roster. He’s fast and can create the separation to be a good receiver in the Big Ten. He only recorded one catch last season, but the coaching staff loves what he brings. I would be shocked if he wasn’t opposite Dike on Sept. 3.
Backups: Markus Allen and Keontez Lewis
Allen and Lewis are also young players who should crack the rotation for the wide receivers. Allen recorded three catches for 65 yards. Lewis, the UCLA transfer, did not record a catch last season. However, I think the Lewis transfer was really good for this roster. I like the experience and ceiling Lewis brings as well. The wide receivers are young but full of potential.
Badger fans can also expect contributions from Dean Engram, who switches over from corner, and Stephan Bracey, who will most likely be the kick returner and punt returner.
Tight End Starter: Jack Eschenbach or Clay Cundiff
I don’t know if there will be a true starter at tight end this season, at least in the beginning of the season. I think Cundiff is the best pass catcher in this group and could be a really good red zone target. He also recorded three catches for 86 yards and a touchdown last season. Cundiff is coming off a nasty leg injury against Iowa last season, but I don’t think this should prevent him from playing right away.
Eschenbach has been in the rotation for a few years now behind Jake Ferguson. I think he’s the safer option but does not quite possess the potential Cundiff has. Paul Chryst loves loyalty so I would expect Eschenbach to play a lot this year.
I think the best blocker of the tight ends is Hayden Rucci. While Rucci didn’t record a catch last season, he’s a good blocker and should be out there in two tight end formations. It’s a line Wisconsin loves to use on 4th-and-short and goal line formations. I don’t think Rucci’s stats will pop out, but he will be in this rotation too.
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