Wisconsin Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

3 of 7

ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 02: T.J. Edwards #53, Alec James #57, and Leon Jacobs #32 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrate in the fourth quarter during the 81st Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between Western Michigan and Wisconsin at AT&T Stadium on January 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Linebacker

Starting outside linebackers: Garrett Dooley, Zack Baun
Backups: Leon Jacobs, Andrew Van Ginkel/Tyler Johnson

Garrett Dooley and Zack Baun have tall orders replacing T.J. Watt and also the absence of Vince Biegel. The Badgers’ problem at linebacker, if you want to call it that, is their outside spots will need a little work. Do not be surprised to see one of the middle backers, even with the Jack Cichy injury, move to outside due to the fact that the Badgers have great depth in the middle.

For the time being, though, it looks to be Dooley and Baun’s jobs to lose. Leon Jacobs will also see some time as he has a good deal of game experience, but if you are looking for an answer now as to who will be the starting four at linebacker, you have come to the wrong spot. We have a pretty good guess on who the four will be, but in which order we will have to wait and see.

Starting middle linebackers: T.J. Edwards, Ryan Connelly
Backups: Chris Orr, Arrington Farrar, Leon Jacobs

Prior to the unfortunate news that Jack Cichy will miss the entire season with a knee inury, the Badgers’ depth at inside backer was really, really great. Now, it’s still really great as Cichy’s injury- while detrimental, opens up opportunities for the other talented linebackers the team possesses.

Chris Orr unfortunately had his season cut short last year after sustaining a year-ending injury in the season opener vs. LSU. He will of course need some time to get used to the college football scene after playing just one snap last year. Ryan Connelly will likely slide into Cichy’s spot due to his experience on the field.

No returning inside linebacker was better at stopping the run than Wisconsin's Ryan Connelly was in 2016. pic.twitter.com/XJiYXcdDJp
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 30, 2017

Connelly received national recognition last year and will do so again this year, all while being technically a backup. Normally teams experience a major setback losing high-caliber players like the Badgers did in T.J. Watt and Vince Biegel, but this returning group will have no problem getting the Badgers defense back to elite status.

Home/Wisconsin Badgers