December 18, 2024

Dec 27, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Wisconsin Badgers helmet during the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Combine invites three Badgers for 2024.Wisconsin Football: Three Things We Learned Against Purdue - Bucky's 5th Quarter

The Wisconsin Badgers and their potential draft picks are gearing up for the NFL Combine, scheduled to commence later this month, marking the offseason for the team.

The NFL recently unveiled the list of 324 players invited to this year’s scouting combine, and among them are three Badgers: running back Braelon Allen, offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini, and linebacker Maema Njongmeta.

In his third season with the Badgers, Allen, who is one of the youngest players declaring for this year’s NFL Draft after joining the team at the age of 17, posted 984 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns with an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Despite missing the 1,000-yard mark for the first time due to absence in Wisconsin’s bowl game, Allen’s previous two seasons saw him surpass 1,200 rushing yards each year, totaling 23 touchdowns.

As a power back, Allen aims to showcase his abilities at the combine and position himself as a top selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Bortolini, a versatile presence along the Badgers’ offensive line, has played various roles, including tackle, guard, and center. After a season at guard in 2022, he assumed the center position in 2023, demonstrating progress as a well-rounded blocker. However, he faced challenges, particularly with snapping the ball. Bortolini intends to highlight his versatility and skills during the upcoming combine.

Njongmeta, a fifth-year senior, opted to forego his COVID-19 eligibility year and is transitioning to the professional league after multiple seasons as a starter for the Badgers. In the 2023 season, he accumulated 59 tackles and three sacks, facing fluctuations in his role due to alignment issues in the defensive system. In contrast, his standout 2022 season included 95 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. Njongmeta showcased his abilities at the Shrine Bowl earlier in the offseason with an interception, aiming to deliver another strong performance at the upcoming combine.

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