You’d figure 11 wins, a Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl berth would fare well for the seven Wisconsin Badgers invited to the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine.

But alas, the weeklong preview/investigation/interrogation of the draft’s top prospects is where football – the most team-centric of American sports – boils down to individual performance.

So while John Moffitt’s endearing personality off the field and J.J. Watt’s mastery of Twitter to interact with the community and energize UW’s fan base played significant roles in Wisconsin’s success this past season, they won’t mean much to NFL scouts and evaluators.

Rather, it’s all about workout numbers and interviews in Indianapolis. It’s commonly asserted that game tape remains the most important tool for evaluating prospects, but the remarkably extensive physical exams and interviews are especially valuable for teams.

Drills such as the 40-yard dash, bench press and shuttle run have consistently come under fire in recent years – why start the 40 in a track position? – but teams still rely on them for comparison to recent years’ prospects.

Without further ado, here’s how the Badgers’ seven prospects have fared at the Combine thus far (it ends today) and where they figure to be drafted. Below are three profiles, and fellow Herald Sports editor Elliot Hughes will have the remaining four Wednesday.

Quarterback Scott Tolzien

Measureables: 6-foot-2, 212 pounds; 4.93-second 40-yard dash; 30.5-inch arms, 10-inch hands; 6.84-second 3 cone drill; 4.12-second 20-yard shuttle

At UW: As a two-year starter, Tolzien started all of Wisconsin’s 26 games in 2009 and 2010. Last season, Tolzien was one of the nation’s most accurate and efficient quarterbacks, finishing with the second-best completion percentage (72.9) and sixth-best quarterback rating (165.9). He also passed for 2,459 yards and 16 touchdowns, while throwing just six interceptions. Tolzien was also named the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner in 2010, given to the nation’s top senior quarterback.

At the Combine: Tolzien’s 40 time tied for 13th among quarterbacks, but his mobility was never going to convince teams to draft him. Rather, the accuracy Tolzien exhibited in passing drills and his interview skills impressed teams at the Combine. According to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, teams were very impressed by Tolzien’s practice and game time preparation, as well as his interviewing skills. One AFC personnel man told McGinn Tolzien’s ability to break down his game, as well as his sincerity, made him “probably [that team’s] best interview.”

Estimated draft pick: definitely a third-day (rounds 4-7) pick. Tolzien could go undrafted, in which case he almost certainly would be given an opportunity to make a roster in training camp. If he continues to impress, he could move up as high as the fifth round.

Running back John Clay

Measureables: 6-foot-1, 230 pounds; 4.77-second 40-yard dash; 31-inch arms; 8.75-inch hands; 29-inch vertical leap

At UW: Clay entered the 2010 season as a Heisman candidate, but ultimately took a backseat to Montee Ball and James White. For the year, he finished second behind White with 1,012 rushing yards (5.4 per carry) and also contributed 14 rushing touchdowns. In the vaunted history of the Wisconsin running game, Clay will leave Madison with the seventh-most rushing yards (3,413) in school history.

At the Combine: Clay showed up in Indianapolis 30 pounds lighter than he was at the end of the season. Yet, his 40 time was very disappointing, as many experts were expecting a time in the 4.6 range, at least. Consequently, some NFL scouts believe Clay may be forced to switch to fullback in the NFL. His size does work in his favor, as he’s always been known as a power back with impressive power and vision.

Estimated draft pick: Without knowing how he will perform at the pro day, Clay’s stock has fallen significantly. He also projects to be a third-day pick.

Offensive guard John Moffitt

Measureables: 6-foot-4, 319 pounds; 5.55-second 40-yard dash; 33-inch arms; 9.5-inch hands; 23 bench press reps; 7.79-second 3 cone drill; 4.53-second 20-yard shuttle

At UW: Along with left tackle Gabe Carimi (see his profile Wednesday), Moffitt formed perhaps the best left half of any offensive line in the nation. Moffitt is a strong blocker who rarely gets beat, and his ability to pull and reach the next level displays his impressive versatility. He finished last season as an AP first-team All-American and was a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection.

At the Combine: Moffitt’s 40 time and bench press reps were less than impressive, but his character and proven toughness should combine with his solid size to maintain his draft stock.

Estimated draft pick: Prior to the combine, many experts projected Moffitt as a second or third round pick. While his Combine wasn’t as rough as Clay’s, he may fall to the middle rounds, and potentially to the third day. Still, more than one scout has said Moffitt’s size and toughness will continue to buoy his draft stock.

Remember to check out Elliot’s column Wednesday, as he’ll have profiles on Carimi, Watt and tight end Lance Kendricks.

Mike is a junior majoring in journalism and communication arts. How do you think the Badgers have fared in the Combine? Where will they be drafted? Let him know at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @mikefiammetta.