Wisconsin Badgers breakout pass rusher declares for NFL Draft

Peterson has been a starter for the Badgers each of the last three seasons, but he put up a career-high 6.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss this season, leading Wisconsin in both categories.

He broke out late in the season with 2.5 sacks against Indiana and three sacks against Illinois in back-to-back weeks.

One of those came with his first-career forced fumble, and his career-high three batted passes helped represent a season of more impactful play-making.

At 6-foot-1, 260 pounds, Peterson won't have the freakish size, length or speed that the NFL often covets from its edge rushers.

But his consistent technique and motor will endear him to NFL coaches who appreciate his well-rounded skillset.

He might not have the ceiling of a double-digit sack player in the pros, but he's the kind of savvy player who could have a long career as a rotational player who contributes on special teams.

Peterson also emerged as a more vocal leader as the season went on, helping the team rally to some late-season success after struggling for most of the year.

Whether that's enough to hear his name called on NFL Draft weekend remains to be seen, but he's the kind of player every team should want to bring to training camp.