With fall camp set to kick off Wednesday in Platteville, BadgerBlitz.com takes a look at defensive positional battles to watch this month before Wisconsin's opener against Buffalo.
Related: Wisconsin's offense: Examining fall camp battles at every position
Position previews: Quarterbacks | Cornerbacks | Running backs | Inside linebackers | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Outside linebackers | Special teams | Safeties | Offensive line |
DEFENSIVE LINE:
Overview: During spring camp, reporters saw a handful of different defensive fronts and alignments. Most often, though, the Badgers featured two linemen, with Isaiah Mullens and Rodas Johnson atop the depth chart. Behind them, James Thompson and Gio Paez were next up.
The entire room is trying to make up for the production of Keeanu Benton, a multi-year starter who played 428 snaps and recorded 35 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 27 run stops in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus.
The wild card this fall is Darian Varner, who missed all of spring camp due to injury. Last fall at Temple, he accumulated 35 tackles, 12.5 tackles loss and 7.5 sacks.
"He's a big, strong anchor guy who has long arms and is able to disrupt the offensive line," position coach Greg Scruggs said. "He can disrupt the line of scrimmage and also go get after the passer. I'm excited to get him back and get him healthy because then we can begin to hone the craft of a player that I believe has a pretty decent foundation."
Battle to watch: Varner vs. Johnson, Thompson
Too early prediction: It's tough to point out a specific position battle with Wisconsin showing two- and three-man fronts this spring. Mullens could see more time with Paez on the inside this year, so Varner could be pushing both Johnson and Thompson for reps at end. The Temple transfer has plenty of upside, but Varner has to play catchup after he missed all of spring camp due to injury.
