In his junior and senior seasons at Wisconsin, linebacker Vince Biegel was never the lead pass rusher. The Badgers’ crowded linebacking corps included future Browns linebacker Joe Schobert and Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt.

That didn’t stop Biegel from contributing and finding a home in the NFL with the Packers, but it does help inform how fans should perceive his contributions to the team.

2017 Stats

• Appeared in 9 games
• 7 tackles

Expectations going into the season: Moderate
Expectations were: Not met

Analysis: Biegel’s injury sinks rookie season

Perhaps the best way to view Vince Biegel is as a tablesetter. In three years as a starter in college, Biegel never led the Badgers in sacks. Instead, he applied just enough pressure and proved to be enough of a threat to allow his counterparts to find success.

Biegel suffered a Jones fracture in his foot in May that required surgery and kept him from practicing with the team until well into the regular season.

The delay in getting on the field lessened the impact Biegel could make in his rookie season. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers rotated the linebacker on the field in limited packages, and there were glimpses of a solid player.

Against the Panthers in the playoff-deciding game, Biegel set up defensive tackle Kenny Clark’s sack and made a few plays to stop Carolina’s running attack in his 17 snaps.

Before the season began, we labeled Biegel as a defensive player with high expectations. His injury caused us to re-evaluate and lower his expectations. When he did play, it was obvious that while talented, he needs a full offseason and training camp to acclimate to the NFL game.