Wisconsin Coach: Montee Ball is Best Back in 2013 Draft Class

Updated: November 13, 2012

Montee Ball is a guy who’s had a very interesting year. Just this summer he was involved in a mugging which left him concussed. There are still unclear reasons as to why he was targeted. Maybe it was retaliation, maybe not. But what we do know is that Montee Ball made his way back on the field this season for the Badgers.

While not having the record season he had last year, ball has been pretty solid. He’s already amassed over 1200 yards and 16 touchdowns. He won’t get to the 33 scores from last year, but he will finish with respectable numbers.

With all that said, where does he stack up in the 2013 draft class of running backs?

Well his coach says that he is #1:

“I’ve had several guys comment to me this year that they thought he’s the first back to go in this year’s draft,” Bielema said. “Many make the statement without a doubt.”

“Again, there are a lot of good players around him, but I think Montee is going to be very, very happy on draft day.”

My thoughts: of course Bill Bielema is supposed to say that. He sees Montee every day and sees the work he puts in. Now what he probably hasn’t taken in consideration is the things all draft pundits tend to over analyze. You know, things like speed, agility, vision, injury risk, etc.

In my humble opinion Montee is the third best back in this class at best behind backs like Le’Veon Bell and Andre Ellington. That isn’t bad though. Montee will probably be a third or fourth round pick and be productive in the league even if he never becomes a superstar.