As we gear up for the NFL Draft season, one name steadily climbing the boards is Wisconsin's edge rusher, Mason Reiger. After a standout performance at the combine, Reiger has caught the eye of many, including ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.
During a segment on "First Draft!" with Mike Greenberg and Field Yates, Kiper spotlighted Reiger as a hidden gem deserving of national buzz.
“Walk-on players always have a special place,” Kiper noted. “Reiger’s got that speed off the edge, athleticism, and a killer spin move.
With his length and energy, you can bet someone like [New England head coach] Mike Vrabel would be all over this guy.”
Reiger's journey has been one of resilience and determination. After transferring from Louisville, he made a mark in his single season with the Badgers, racking up five sacks.
This was a notable comeback after missing the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury. His performance has positioned him as a potential mid-round pick, alongside fellow Badger, wide receiver Vinny Anthony II.
At 23, Reiger is considered an older prospect, and while his stats might not jump off the page, his combine results did. Finishing in the top five in three drills, he's shown scouts that he's got the tools to be a valuable rotational pass rusher. Teams looking to bolster their third-down defense, like perhaps the Green Bay Packers, could find Reiger to be an ideal fit with his size and speed.
As the NFL Draft approaches, running from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, all eyes will be on how Reiger's story unfolds.