Wisconsin’s defense has been the engine behind a 5-2 start, and one of the players drawing the most attention from NFL eyes is linebacker Sebastian Cheeks.
Cheeks has piled up 26 tackles this season, along with seven tackles for loss, five sacks, two passes defended and two forced fumbles. After arriving at Wisconsin as a transfer from UNC in the class of 2024, he’s quickly turned himself into one of the most noticeable defenders on the roster.
NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper highlighted what makes Cheeks such a strong pro prospect.
“I love how Wisconsin edge rusher Sebastian Cheeks varies his path to the quarterback. He can get home on the inside or outside with explosion, and he always has a secondary move ready to go.”
Kiper pointed to Cheeks’ performance against USC as a key example, noting his 2.5 sacks in that game. He also measured out the traits that stand out on film.
“We saw that against USC, with 2.5 sacks. And at 6-3 and 243 pounds, he plays with more power than you might think... he can drive offensive tackles back with his bull rush. His motor never stops.”
Wisconsin’s defense as a whole has been elite, ranking No. 9 nationally and allowing just 276.5 yards per game. The Badgers held USC to only 241 total yards this past weekend, a sharp answer against one of the country’s better offenses.
Kiper said Cheeks also shows up against the run, though there’s still room for him to grow physically.
“Cheeks will make plays against the run, too, but he needs to add more weight to his frame to really take another step there. Cheeks shows sustained intensity and is a consistent player, and I have him in Round 3 or Round 4.”
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