Wisconsin Football: Grading the Fit of Badgers’ 2024 NFL Draft Picks

However, there’s hope more will be taken in 2025, as the program boasts a handful of promising prospects, especially on the defensive side. Hunter Wohler, Ricardo Hallman, and transfer portal addition Jaheim Thomas all stand out as players with the potential to hear their names called next spring. The Badgers’ new pass-rushers, Leon Lowery and John Pius, could also work their way into the discussion with a breakout season.

On offense, Wisconsin football has a pair of offensive tackles, Riley Mahlman and Jack Nelson, who project as NFL Draft picks, and slot wide receiver Will Pauling, who was a revelation last season. 

With all that in mind, let’s dive into the current and former Wisconsin football players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, see where they landed, and grade their fit with the respective franchises. 

Tanor Bortolini (OL) — Indianapolis Colts — (4th round)

Tanor Bortolini wore many hats during his Wisconsin football career. Bortolini played 1,974 career snaps for the Badgers, starting games at left and right guard, right tackle, and center this past season. 

Right now, the Colts interior offensive line is all but set heading into 2024. That said, both right guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly are slated to become free agents next offseason, which could open the door to a potential starting gig for Bortolini in 2025 and beyond if all goes well. 

Bortolini’s versatility across the offensive line and elite athleticism could prove valuable for the Colts, especially with how often injuries occur in the NFL. Bortolini will likely be a reliable backup on the interior from day one in Indianapolis and a potential future starter. 

Grade: B

Isaac Guerendo (RB) — San Francisco 49ers — (4th round)

Because Isaac Guerendo spent the first four seasons of his college career with the Wisconsin football team, we’re going to claim him. 

There’s no denying that Guerendo’s speed and upper-echelon athleticism align well with the 49ers’ creative offensive scheme. Although he’ll begin his career as a backup to Christian McCaffery and Elijah Mitchell, playing in Kyle Shanahan’s system could help maximize Guerendo’s strengths and turn him into a valuable asset for them down the road. 

I’ll be honest: it’s hard to point to a franchise that’s had more success carving out roles on its team for dynamic athletes than the 49ers. Then you throw in Guerendo’s special team ability, and this could be a perfect fit for the former Wisconsin football running back. 

Grade: A

Braelon Allen (RB) — New York Jets — (4th round)

Braelon Allen had a decorated career for the Wisconsin football team, running for 3,494 career rushing yards while adding 35 touchdowns. After three seasons, he declared for the NFL Draft, becoming the youngest prospect in his respective class and the only player born in 2004.

Overall, Allen’s power running style suits the Jets’ need for a short-yardage and change of pace back alongside Breece Hall. Despite high expectations for the team, Allen could see the field early as a short-yardage option in more of a niche role. I’m not sure there is an immediate path to becoming a starter for Allen, but time will tell. 

Allen is probably best suited to be a 1B option rather than a featured back in the NFL. That said, the Jets seem to botch most things, at least during my lifetime, so it’s hard to feel terrific about this landing spot, although I’m sure he’ll probably be just fine. 

Grade: C