During the NFL Combine, Super Bowl-winning coach Mike McDonald emphasized in the NFL Network booth that scouts prioritize explosive speed in edge rushers and defensive linemen, particularly focusing on the initial 10-yard split within the 40-yard dash. This early burst can set players apart in evaluations. Mason Reiger showcased this exact quality by posting a 1.61-second 10-yard split, tying him with former Wisconsin linebacker TJ Watt for that mark.
The Wisconsin football social media team quickly noticed this parallel, highlighting the identical 10-yard splits between Reiger and Watt, which caught the attention of NFL observers watching the event.
“1.61 second 10-yard split by @reiger_mason 👍we’ve seen that stat from a Wisconsin linebacker before @_TJWatt 👀#NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/4s8QDbCPPL”
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball)
Comparing Combine Performances of Mason Reiger and TJ Watt
Mason Reiger has not yet completed all NFL Combine drills, with additional tests such as the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, and bench press still to come. Despite this, Reiger’s current numbers closely mirror those achieved by TJ Watt at his combine, suggesting a notable comparison between the two former Badgers.
Here are the early numbers from both players:
- 40-yard dash: Watt – 4.69 seconds; Reiger – 4.78 seconds
- 10-yard split: Watt – 1.61 seconds; Reiger – 1.61 seconds
- Vertical jump: Watt – 10 feet 8 inches; Reiger – 10 feet 5 inches
- Broad jump: Watt – 10 feet 5 inches; Reiger – 10 feet 8 inches
The performances reveal a tight competition between the two athletes. Reiger’s vertical jump slightly exceeds Watt’s, while Watt holds a slight edge in broad jump distance. Their 40-yard dash times are close, and both recorded the exact same explosive 10-yard split, underscoring their quickness off the line.
Upcoming Drill Results and Future Outlook
As Reiger completes the remaining evaluations—3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, and bench press—comparisons will become more complete. For context, TJ Watt finished his combine drills with a 6.79-second 3-cone drill, 4.13-second 20-yard shuttle, and 21 bench press repetitions. Reiger’s forthcoming results in these categories may influence his draft positioning.
While it is premature to predict that Mason Reiger will follow TJ Watt’s career path, the currently shared athletic benchmarks position Reiger as a rising prospect. Initially expected to be a late-round draft pick, Mason’s performance is boosting his standing into the potential second day of selection. This reflects both his individual progress and the strength of edge rushers emerging from the Wisconsin program.
1.61 second 10-yard split by @reiger_mason 👏
we’ve seen that stat from a Wisconsin linebacker before @_TJWatt 👀#NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/4s8QDbCPPL
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) February 27, 2026
