Saturday, while the Badgers take the field at Camp Randall for the first time in 2002, five members of last year's team will participate in football's most sacred rite of spring'this weekend's National Football League Draft.
Wisconsin, a school as well represented as any in recent drafts, has had one or more players selected in the first round of the draft for three straight years, and the streak should continue this year with defensive tackle Wendell Bryant.
Bryant, an all-American and multiple all-Big Ten honoree with size, speed and all-around talent to spare, could go in the top 10 Saturday. Wisconsin defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said he would not be surprised and said he sees no downside to Bryant's current skills.
\Wendell's as good a defensive lineman as I've ever been around,"" Cosgrove said. ""He has everything [NFL teams] are looking for.""
But others besides Bryant will be closely watching the draft this weekend. As part of a torturous secondary in the past, cornerback Mike Echols can sprint, change directions and leap and he is tough for his size.
Considering Echols' tackling ability and range, Cosgrove said he would not dismiss Echols catching on as a safety if a team has no room for him at cornerback.
""I thought Mike could be a safety even here,"" Cosgrove said.
Linebacker Nick Greisen, a two-year starter, led the Big Ten in tackles in 2000 and 2001. Cosgrove disputed the draft experts who question Greisen's size, but admits that questions about his speed and range could cost him spots in the draft.
""The reason you don't see his name in lights is because he's not a guy that ran a 4.6 40 [yard dash],"" Cosgrove said.
Wide receiver Nick Davis actually made his biggest on-the-field marks as a kick returner, returning five kicks for touchdowns, although all came in his first two years.
Offensive coordinator Brian White notes Davis' speed and explosiveness, bode well for his chances as a kick returner, but said those chances will rely heavily on Davis becoming a consistent as a team's fourth or fifth wide receiver.
""He's going to have to go to camp and show them that he's a 95 to 100-percent catch guy,"" White said.
Tight end Mark Anelli, Wisconsin's second-leading receiver last year, bettered his statistics each year of his career, and proved to be a smart receiver with good hands. Although Anelli's speed is sketchy, White said Anelli could see time as either a blocking or receiving end.
""I think he ends up becoming a two-position guy,"" White said.
