Wisconsin football offensive lineman Jack Nelson declares for 2025 NFL Draft
Wisconsin Badgers starting left tackle Jack Nelson has officially declared for the NFL Draft, expressing gratitude to coaches and fans in a heartfelt post.
The University of Wisconsin football program's starting left tackle is taking his talents to the NFL.
After five seasons in Madison, Wisconsin Badgers' offensive lineman Jack Nelson announced that he is entering his name into the 2025 NFL Draft.
The veteran lineman shared the news in a heartfelt message to Badger Nation.
“My five years playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers have been an incredible experience and a dream come true,” Nelson wrote. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to be a Badger. Words cannot express how much I love this program, the city of Madison, and the state of Wisconsin.”
Nelson, a four-star prospect out of Stoughton High School in Wisconsin, was part of Paul Chryst's 2020 recruiting class. He was ranked as the No. 10 offensive tackle nationally and the No. 104 overall recruit in his cycle.
During his career at Wisconsin, Nelson started 50 games, including 37 at left tackle over the last three seasons and 13 at right guard as a redshirt freshman. Nelson earned consensus All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition during both the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Badgers.
While preparing for the next step in his playing career, Nelson emphasized his gratitude for his teammates and coaches.
“I am forever thankful for every second of my time spent in Madison, especially for all of my teammates and coaches with whom I have shared this journey,” Nelson added. "I look forward to the future of the Wisconsin Badgers and am proud to represent UW as I begin the next chapter of preparing for the NFL draft.
"As I move forward to my new challenge, I will always be a Badger. On Wisconsin!”
Playing under position coach AJ Blazek, the 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle put together his best season in 2024, earning a career-high 79.9 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus. Nelson also posted a 75.1 run-blocking grade and an 82.2 in pass protection. He allowed just one sack and nine pressures across 393 pass-blocking reps—both career bests.
Nelson's advanced metrics from PFF help tell the story of his well-rounded performance as a redshirt senior, ranking in the 80th percentile nationally in positively graded run-blocking plays, 76th percentile in pass-block grade with play action, and 83rd percentile in run-block grade on zone runs.
"You’re the man Jackie! 💯🦾," Blazek wrote on X. "You are an old school dude that does it the right way! There are not many of you left... Your toughness & work ethic will always separate you from the others! Never lose your passion or love of the game! You will be missed!! 📛⚒️❤️."
Nelson’s physical tools and versatility are expected to garner a fair amount of attention during the pre-draft process, with projections placing him as a fifth-round pick, according to the NFL Mock Draft Database.
The in-state product is set to carry on the legacy of Wisconsin's storied offensive line pipeline to the NFL.
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Very happy for this talented young man. Would love to see him in green and gold, but best wishes for success at any venue he reaches!
Sad to say my last post...can't afford the $53 any more on my income. I've enjoyed it immensely.