Jack Nelson Wisconsin OT: Rising Star in Badgers’ Offensive Line
Jack Nelson stands out as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. The Wisconsin Badgers’ senior has been turning heads with his impressive 6’7″, 316-pound frame and technical skill set. Nelson’s combination of excellent footwork in the run game and refined hand usage in pass protection makes him a potential first-round selection for NFL teams looking to bolster their offensive line.
The Stoughton, Wisconsin native came to Madison as a 5-star recruit and winner of the Joe Thomas Award as Wisconsin’s premier senior offensive lineman in high school. Throughout his college career, Nelson has developed into a cornerstone of the Badgers’ offensive line. His transition from highly-touted prospect to polished collegiate performer hasn’t gone unnoticed by NFL scouts.
Nelson’s skill set translates well to the professional level. His towering height and wingspan give him natural advantages in pass protection, while his technical proficiency allows him to excel in Wisconsin’s run-heavy offensive scheme. As the 2025 draft approaches, Nelson continues to cement his status as one of the most promising offensive tackle prospects in college football.
Contents
- 1 Jack Nelson: Early Life and Education
- 2 Jack Nelson’s College Career
- 3 Technical Breakdown of Jack Nelson’s Play Style
- 4 Analysis of Jack Nelson’s Impact on the Team
- 5 Jack Nelson’s NFL Draft Prospects
- 6 Professional Projection and Potential
- 7 Jack Nelson’s Influence Under Coach Phil Longo
- 8 Conclusions and Future Outlook
Jack Nelson: Early Life and Education
Jack Nelson’s journey to becoming a standout offensive tackle for the Wisconsin Badgers began in his home state, where football runs deep in his family’s blood. His Wisconsin roots and early development laid the foundation for his path to Madison and eventually toward NFL draft consideration.
Beginnings in Wisconsin
Jack Nelson grew up in Stoughton, Wisconsin, a small town about 20 miles southeast of Madison. Football was always in his DNA – his father, Todd Nelson, had previously played for the Wisconsin Badgers, creating a legacy that Jack would eventually follow. This Wisconsin connection wasn’t just coincidental but formative in his development.
As a true “Wisconsin guy,” Nelson’s early years were spent immersed in Badger football culture. His hometown of Stoughton helped shape his work ethic and physical development. Standing at an impressive 6-7, Nelson possessed natural size advantages that coaches noticed early in his football journey.
His father’s influence proved pivotal, providing both inspiration and practical guidance for a future offensive lineman. This homegrown background makes Nelson the epitome of a homegrown Badger lineman.
High School Football Journey
At Stoughton High School, Nelson quickly emerged as a dominant force on the offensive line. His massive frame and technical prowess made him one of Wisconsin’s top prep prospects. Coaches were impressed by his combination of size, footwork, and football IQ – all essential traits for a developing tackle.
Nelson’s high school accomplishments earned him significant recruiting attention, though his heart always seemed set on following his father’s footsteps to Madison. During this period, he developed the fundamentals that would serve him well at the collegiate level.
His academic focus on Real Estate and Urban Land Economics began taking shape during these formative years. Nelson’s disciplined approach to both athletics and academics foreshadowed his future success as a student-athlete at Wisconsin.
By the end of his high school career, Nelson had positioned himself as an ideal Wisconsin offensive line recruit – homegrown talent with the physical tools and mental makeup to excel in Big Ten trenches.
Jack Nelson’s College Career
Jack Nelson established himself as a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s offensive line, making an impressive 50 career starts including 37 at left tackle. His consistency and durability helped him become one of the most reliable offensive linemen in recent Badgers history.
Rise to Prominence With the Wisconsin Badgers
Nelson’s journey at Wisconsin followed a family tradition of Badger football, and he wasted little time making his mark. After redshirting his freshman year, he earned a starting role and never looked back.
The 6’7″ tackle made 50 career starts for the Badgers, showcasing remarkable durability and consistency. His development curve impressed coaches as he transformed from a raw talent to a polished technician.
In 2023, Nelson truly hit his stride, anchoring a line that enabled Wisconsin to set school records in pass attempts and completions. More impressively, the Badgers surrendered just five interceptions that season, highlighting Nelson’s proficiency in pass protection.
Nelson’s versatility became evident as he adapted to scheme changes, playing effectively in Wisconsin’s zone-based run system that featured a 54-48 pass-run split.
Key Games and Performances
Throughout his career, Nelson delivered standout performances against elite competition. His work against Ohio State’s vaunted defensive line in 2022 caught scouts’ attention, as he allowed zero sacks despite facing future NFL talent.
The 2023 matchup against Iowa represented another highlight, where Nelson dominated in the trenches to help Wisconsin rush for over 200 yards against one of the conference’s stingiest defenses.
| Season | Games Started | Position | Team Pass Efficiency | Sacks Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13 | RT | 144.7 | 3 |
| 2022 | 12 | LT | 130.2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 12 | LT | 157.8 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 | LT | 160.3 | 2 |
NFL scouts particularly value Nelson’s experience against Big Ten competition. His technique in pass protection improved dramatically over his four years, turning him from a developmental prospect into a potential day-two draft selection.
Technical Breakdown of Jack Nelson’s Play Style
Jack Nelson’s technical profile shows both strengths and weaknesses that will impact his NFL draft stock. His distinctive approach in pass protection and run blocking showcases his Wisconsin development while revealing areas for improvement.
Offensive Line Skills and Techniques
Nelson employs a 45-degree set point in pass protection, maintaining integrity between the corner and quarterback’s drop. This technique allows him to establish his position effectively against edge rushers.
At 6-7 and 314 pounds, Nelson possesses impressive physical traits, though his tall frame and upright style can create leverage issues.
His hand technique needs refinement as he tends to use a “double-under” approach that exposes his chest to defenders. This vulnerability becomes particularly apparent during solo base blocks.
Nelson’s intense playing style is both a strength and weakness. His aggressiveness can overpower opponents, but sometimes leads to balance issues as he bends at the waist and overextends when punching.
Positional Versatility as Left Tackle and Right Guard
Nelson has demonstrated valuable versatility across the offensive line, primarily excelling at left tackle while showing capability at right guard. This flexibility enhances his NFL draft appeal significantly.
His measurements tell part of the story:
| Measurement | Value | Percentile Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6-7 | 76% |
| Weight | 314 lbs | 46% |
| Arm Length | 33 1/2″ | 33% |
| Hand Size | 10″ | 47% |
His relatively shorter arm length (33rd percentile) presents challenges at tackle, making his guard experience particularly valuable as a potential NFL position switch.
Nelson’s fiery approach has sometimes worked against him, but scouts appreciate his intensity and competitive drive when properly channeled.
Analysis of Jack Nelson’s Impact on the Team
Jack Nelson has been a cornerstone for Wisconsin’s offensive line, bringing both technical skill and leadership qualities that have significantly shaped the Badgers’ performance. His four-year tenure as a starter has provided stability and excellence at the tackle position.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Nelson’s presence on Wisconsin’s offensive line extends far beyond his technical abilities. As a four-year starter, he’s emerged as one of the team’s most respected voices in the locker room. His experience spanning both the Paul Chryst and Luke Fickell coaching regimes has made him an invaluable bridge between different systems and philosophies.
What separates Nelson is his intelligence in picking up stunts and blitzes, allowing him to make protection calls and adjustments at the line. This football IQ has elevated the entire offensive line’s performance.
Teammates regularly cite his work ethic as contagious. During offseason programs, Nelson is typically first in and last out of the weight room, setting standards that younger linemen strive to match.
Contribution to the Wisconsin Badgers’ Success
Nelson’s on-field contributions have been substantial across his 12 starts at left tackle in 2024. Operating in Wisconsin’s 54-48 pass-run split, zone-based scheme, Nelson provided the consistency that allowed the offense to function effectively.
His impact is best illustrated through statistics:
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Games Started | 12 (2024 season) |
| Career Starts | 4-year starter |
| QB Pressure Rate | Among lowest on team |
| Run Blocking Grade | Above average |
| Penalties | Below team average |
While Nelson has shown occasional struggles with overextending in pass protection, his overall effectiveness has been crucial to Wisconsin’s offensive production.
His toughness and physicality in the run game particularly stand out, creating consistent lanes for Badger running backs. This combination of reliability and physical play has made him a foundation piece for Wisconsin’s offensive success.
Jack Nelson’s NFL Draft Prospects
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Wisconsin’s Jack Nelson has positioned himself as an intriguing offensive tackle prospect. His combination of experience, technical skills, and physical attributes has caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike.
Draft Position Predictions and Analysis
Jack Nelson enters the draft conversation after establishing himself as a four-year starter at Wisconsin, primarily playing as the left tackle. His extensive experience in the Badgers’ balanced offense (54-48 pass-run split) provides a solid foundation for NFL evaluators.
Current projections place Nelson as a mid-to-late round selection. According to multiple scouting services, he’s viewed as a Day 3 pick with potential to contribute immediately as a depth piece.
Nelson’s draft stock benefits from his versatility and technical proficiency, though his arm length (33½”) falls below the ideal threshold for tackle prospects. Teams looking for offensive line depth with potential starter upside will likely target him in the 4th-6th round range.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’7″ |
| Weight | 314 lbs |
| Arm Length | 33½” |
| Hand Size | 10″ |
| Projected Round | 4-6 |
Scouting Reports and Expert Opinions
The consensus on Nelson highlights his mobility and technique. Scouts praise his good burst in the run game and ability to take effective angles when climbing to the second level.
His experience in Wisconsin’s zone-based running scheme translates well to many NFL offenses. During the NFL Combine, Nelson emphasized his versatility and passion for the game, attributes that often resonate with NFL decision-makers.
While earning All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2021 and 2022, Nelson demonstrated consistent improvement throughout his collegiate career. His technical refinement stands out, though evaluators note he could improve his anchor against power rushers.
NFL teams likely view Nelson as a developmental prospect with the fundamentals to eventually compete for starting snaps. His football IQ and experience in a pro-style offense make him a safer mid-round selection than many raw athletic projects.
Professional Projection and Potential
Jack Nelson brings a mix of size, technique, and experience that will determine his NFL trajectory. His transition to the pros and comparison to current NFL talent provides insight into his future at the next level.
Transition From College to Professional Play
Nelson’s college experience at Wisconsin has prepared him well for NFL challenges. At 6’7″ and 312 pounds, he possesses the ideal physical profile for an NFL tackle prospect.
His footwork in the run game and hand technique in pass protection stand out as translatable skills. The Wisconsin program, known for developing NFL-caliber linemen, has given Nelson valuable experience in both power-running schemes and pass protection.
Scouts project Nelson as a Day 3 selection with potential to provide immediate depth. His experience facing Big Ten competition will ease his professional transition.
One challenge: Nelson will need refined coaching to maximize his potential, as he has shown inconsistency against elite edge rushers.
Comparison With Current NFL Players
Nelson’s playing style and physical attributes mirror several established NFL offensive tackles. His combination of size and technical ability compares favorably to mid-tier NFL right tackles.
| Attribute | Jack Nelson | NFL Average (OT) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6’7″ | 6’5″ |
| Weight | 312 lbs | 315 lbs |
| Arm Length | 33.5″ | 34.3″ |
| Experience | 3-year starter | N/A |
Some scouts see Nelson as a player who could develop similar to Rick Wagner or Bobby Massie—reliable starters who carved out solid careers. His ceiling appears to be as a quality starter at right tackle, though some analysts believe his best fit might be at right guard in certain schemes.
Nelson’s maturity through adversity during Wisconsin’s 32-26 record during his tenure shows the mental toughness NFL teams value.
Jack Nelson’s Influence Under Coach Phil Longo
Jack Nelson’s transition to Phil Longo’s system in Wisconsin marked a significant turning point in his collegiate career. The change from a power-oriented scheme to Longo’s Air Raid spread offense created both challenges and opportunities for the Badgers’ standout offensive tackle.
Coaching Philosophy and Player Development
When Phil Longo arrived at Wisconsin alongside head coach Luke Fickell, Nelson faced a steep learning curve. The initial adjustment wasn’t smooth, with Nelson struggling early in the new offensive scheme. Having spent two seasons in a traditional power-running attack under Paul Chryst, Longo’s spread concepts demanded different technical skills.
What’s fascinating about Nelson’s development is how he adapted. By his senior season, his pass protection abilities had noticeably improved, particularly evident during 2025 training camp where he delivered his best practice performances and “stonewalled outside linebackers” consistently.
Longo’s emphasis on protecting the quarterback in his Air Raid system forced Nelson to refine his footwork and hand placement. This evolution has significantly boosted Nelson’s NFL draft stock, with scouts noting his versatility across different offensive systems as a major selling point.
Nelson’s Performance Metrics Under Longo:
| Category | Pre-Longo | Post-Longo Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Block Win Rate | 87.4% | 92.6% |
| Pressures Allowed | 18 | 11 |
| Position Versatility | Limited | High |
Conclusions and Future Outlook
Jack Nelson’s journey from Wisconsin to the NFL represents a significant milestone for the Badgers’ offensive line tradition. His experience as a four-year starter primarily at left tackle gives him a solid foundation to build upon.
With an impressive 50 career starts against Big Ten competition, Nelson brings battle-tested experience that NFL teams value. His durability and consistency stand out in a draft class where reliability matters.
Nelson’s versatility may ultimately determine his draft position. Questions exist about his projection as a pure left tackle, but his ability to potentially play multiple positions along the line enhances his value.
Draft Projection: Round 3-4
Nelson didn’t participate in all combine testing events, but his confidence in his NFL future remains unwavering. His maturity through adversity during Wisconsin’s 32-26 record during his tenure shows character that teams will appreciate.
Teams looking for offensive line depth with potential starter upside will find Nelson intriguing. His technical skills and experience in Wisconsin’s zone-based run scheme translate well to many NFL systems.
The next chapter for Nelson likely begins as a developmental prospect. The right team fit will determine how quickly he can compete for meaningful snaps at the professional level.
