NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 1

Nov 30, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Joel Stave (2) catches a snap from center Dan Voltz (70) during pre-game warm-ups before the game with the Penn State Nittany Lions at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Marz and Dan Voltz (OL – Wisconsin) vs. Alabama

Ron Dayne, Montee Ball and Melvin Gordon were all very successful running backs at the University of Wisconsin. Now, it’s Corey Clement’s turn as the featured tailback. What Dayne, Ball and Gordon all have in common is they all played behind a solid offensive line. For Clement to have similar success, left tackle Tyler Marz and center Dan Voltz must lead the way.

It’s been a while since Wisconsin has featured an inexperienced offensive line, but that’s the case in 2015. The five names atop the depth chart have a combined 47 starts under their belts. All 47 belong to Marz (27) and Voltz (20). While the ideal scenario would be to ease the new starters in with an FCS opponent, the fresh faces will instead be lining up across from a dominant Alabama Crimson Tide defensive line.

Nick Saban’s crew up front features four prospects who are potential early-round picks. Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson is the most talented of the group and will almost certainly be invited to Chicago for April’s draft. Wisconsin also needs to be aware of Jonathan Allen, Darren Lake and Jarran Reed. Three of the four are over 310 pounds, while Allen is the smallest at 283 pounds. For Wisconsin to have any chance in this game, Marz and Voltz must step up and take the rest of the line under their wings.

Next: Braxton Miller