Ricky Wagner, OT

03/07/2013 - 2013 Wisconsin Pro Day: Although they didn't participate in the 40-yard dash, offensive linemen Travis Frederick and Ricky Wagner displayed their speed in footwork drills, displaying their pull techniques and initial first-steps off the line. The scout who led the individual drills was affiliated with the Miami Dolphins. Both lineman ran the 40 at the NFL Combine, with Frederick recording a 5.58 and Wagner with a 5.17. Wagner also recorded the third-best vertical jump of any offensive lineman at the combine with a leap of 31.5 inches.

With the focus more on the 10-yard split of the 40 for offensive lineman, both were satisfied enough with their combine results to feel no urgency to run again. "I'm never running another 40 in my life," Wagner said. "I don't run more than 10 yards." "It's not often you see an offensive lineman running 40 yards down the field," Frederick said. "Unless hopefully your running back has scored, in which case you can trot it down the field." - Nick Korger, The Badger Herald

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Few programs can match Wisconsin's ability to consistently churn out quality offensive linemen and in Wagner, a tackle with experience on both the left and right side, the Badgers could see yet another former blocker hear his name called within the top 100 picks of his respective draft class.

A talented basketball player out of high school (received five Division I offers), Wagner was barely a blip on the football recruiting radar after he missed most of his senior year at the prep level due to suspension (alcohol-related offense). However, he always wanted to be a Badger and walked on as a 240-pound tight end, moving to the offensive line during his redshirt year in 2008.

After seeing limited time as a freshman back-up, Wagner started 10 games at right tackle as a sophomore in 2010. He replaced Chicago Bears' 2011 first round pick Gabe Carimi at left tackle as a junior and started all 14 games protecting Russell Wilson's blind side, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors. A knee injury hampered Wagner at times in 2012, yet he still earned First Team all-conference accolades as a senior.

Wagner's lack of ideal foot speed was exposed a bit during Senior Bowl practices and his stock may be slipping. Teams looking for a talented and experienced swing man, however, will certainly be keeping Wagner in mind should he slip too far.

STRENGTHS: Naturally large man with the long-limbs (33 1/2" arms) scouts are looking for at tackle. Flashes good initial quickness and gains good depth on his kick-slide when in pass protection. Best attribute might be his quickness and technique as a run blocker. Quick enough to turn and seal off defenders, creating large rushing lanes and can be a imposing force when releasing to the second level.

Has seen starting action at both left and right tackle. Signed with Wisconsin as a walk-on and is therefore used to having to prove himself. Showed his toughness in 2012, missing limited time to a knee injury and competing at the Senior Bowl, as well.

WEAKNESSES: May be maxed out. Is not an elite athlete and while his technique could be tightened up, does not appear to have a great deal of upside. May be able to slide over to left tackle in a pinch but does not possess the foot speed and balance to remain at this position. Struggled a bit with speed rushers in Mobile, showing a tendency to over-compensate and lean outside, leaving room for quick counter-moves back to the inside. Has a tendency to "catch" defenders and has inconsistent hand placement, leaving himself vulnerable to swim and club moves.

Does a nice job of getting to the second level but struggles re-directing in short spaces, missing blocks on defenders who see him coming. Has to do a better job of keeping his feet chugging upon contact. Doesn't finish his blocks with the regularity or dominance that his hype (or Wisconsin's reputation) might lead you to believe.

Compares to: Michael Otto, OT, Tennessee Titans -- Just as the former Purdue standout has done, Wagner likely will have to make the adjustment from the left side to the right to stay at tackle in the NFL. He has the size and just enough athleticism, as well as the work ethic to handle this conversion.