Fullback Derek Watt will once again be blocking for tailback Melvin Gordon.
With pick No. 198 in the sixth round, the San Diego Chargers selected the 6-foot-2, 236-pound fullback from Wisconsin. Watt and Gordon, who was selected in the first round by the Chargers last year, played together for the Badgers most recently in 2014. That season, Gordon rushed for 2,597 yards and 29 touchdowns.
PRO DAY RESULTS:
40-yard dash: 4.75 seconds
Vertical Jump: 33.5 inches
Broad Jump: 9 feet 8 inches
Bench Press: 19 reps at 225 pounds
ANALYSIS, ACCORDING TO NFL.COM
STRENGTHS: Utility man deployed all over the field. Used as lead-blocking fullback in traditional rushing attack. Blocked from "I," offset and tight end spots. Great radar to fit up on linebackers. Plays with desired toughness and dirty work mentality for the position. Shows no hesitation into iso blocks or when asked to take on defensive linemen. Solid in pass protection. Runs a quality route and had no drops this season. Runs through first contact after the catch. Work ethic and football IQ run in the family. Can offer immediate special teams work.
WEAKNESSES: Needs to add more beef to match-up with NFL size. Does not have NFL juice as a lead blocker. Will need to improve angles and leverage as a lead blocker to offset lack of power. Half-strider who does not have the acceleration or stride to create much separation out of his breaks as a pass catcher. Mostly a body catcher.
HONORS AND AWARDS, ACCORDING TO UWBADGERS.COM
2015: Academic All-Big Ten, NFF Hampshire Honor Society
2014: Academic All-Big Ten
2013: Academic All-Big Ten2012: Academic All-Big Ten, UW Rookie of the Year
CAREER: Played in 47 games, making 24 starts at fullback ... part of senior class that posted record of 38-16 over four years, including wins in Outback and Holiday bowls, in addition to 2012 Big Ten championship and 2014 Big Ten West Division title ... key component of two of the three best single-season rushing performances in school history at 283.8 yards per game in 2013 and a school-record 320.1 yards per game in 2014 ... Badgers also set school record for total offense at 480.8 yards per game in 2013 ... finished with 30 receptions for 309 yards and a touchdown.
