As expected, Ramczyk heading to NFL

Madison – Wisconsin will have new starting left tackle in 2017.

Redshirt junior Ryan Ramczyk, who garnered All-American honors last season, has decided to skip his final year of eligibility and enter the National Football League draft.

The decision doesn’t come as a major surprise since Ramczyk is projected to be taken in the first round of the draft, set to be held April 27-29 in Philadelphia.

Ramczyk informed USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin of his decision.

Ramczyk sat out the 2015 season after transferring from Division III UW-Stevens Point. He started all 14 games for UW and helped the Badgers finish 11-3 with a victory over Western Michigan in the Cotton Bowl.

The Journal Sentinel reported last month that Ramczyk would need surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip and could be sidelined up to four months.

Ramczyk reportedly underwent surgery on Jan. 5. He could miss the NFL scouting combine, set for Feb. 28-March 6 in Indianapolis.

UW’s staff used bowl prep to evaluate potential replacements for Ramczyk. That group included freshmen Patrick Kasl and Cole Van Lanen, both of whom redshirted.

Joe Rudolph, UW’s offensive coordinator/line coach, hasn’t hesitated to juggle his lineup in order to get the best unit on the field.

He could move David Edwards, who started the last seven games at right tackle, to the left side. Edwards will be a redshirt sophomore next season.

UW also expects Jacob Maxwell, who started the first seven games of the season at right tackle to return. He underwent right-shoulder surgery but is expected back for summer workouts.

“I think you have a ton of options,” Rudolph said before the Cotton Bowl, “and we’ll be trying to get the five best guys on the field.”