As we continue to look at my projections of each position group for the Wisconsin Badgers this season, I now switch over to the defensive side of the ball. Overall, the defense will have a new man in charge with Mike Tressel, who followed coach Luke Fickell from Cincinnati. Looking at the defensive line, it is a experienced group who has played a lot of snaps together. While Wisconsin did lose Keenau Benton, there are four players that played meaningful snaps last season that return.
Starters- Isaiah Mullens, James Thompson Jr, Rodas Johnson
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The trio of James Thompson Jr, Rodas Johnson, and Isaiah Mullens have played a ton of snaps together and have been in the program for a long time. Likely being their last season for all three, they will be looking to finish their careers strong and to be the anchor of a defense that is still expected to be one of the best units in the country.
Johnson had a good season in 2022 recording 23 tackles and one sack. It’s important to remember stats won’t pop out for defensive linemen. Their job is to seal the gaps and let the linebackers finish the play. Thompson Jr recorded 22 tackles and two sacks while Mullens chipped in with 11 tackles. Overall, this is a strong trio and should be on the field together a lot this season.
Second Unit- Darian Varner, Gio Paez, Curtis Neal
Darian Varner just began practicing a little bit over the weekend as he recovers from a foot injury. Once is he 100% ready to go, I believe he can be the best defensive linemen on this roster. Varner is a transfer from Temple who recorded 35 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season. He was dominant on the field. It could still takes some time as foot injuries can be tricky to come back from. If we can see him in a big role this year, Wisconsin could have a gem on their defensive line.
Curtis Neal and Gio Paez are also players that were on the team last ear as well. As a redshirt freshman, we should see Neal crack the rotation and get some meaningful snaps as a young player. Paez recorded 12 tackles last season and provides good depth especially in the interior of the defensive line. Depth is always a great thing to have and Wisconsin has some good depth at a position they haven’t always had depth at.
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