We’re only a few weeks away from the 2025 NFL Draft, and several defensive studs from Michigan expect to hear their name called. We evaluate the best fit for each of them:
The Michigan Wolverines ‘ defense has been among the best in college football for the better part of the last decade. Many have already reaped the benefits, heading to the next level and accomplishing their dreams of being NFL players. Later this month, the next wave of talented Michigan defenders will hear their names called, with some having better fits than others.
Yesterday, we discussed the best fit for Michigan’s offensive players in this year’s draft. Today, we flip over to defense.
DL Mason Graham: Jacksonville Jaguars
Graham has been predicted to a few teams throughout the draft process, but perhaps no team more than the Jaguars at No. 5 overall.
There are plenty of reasons to prefer Jacksonville over some of the others in this range, but none bigger than the potential to start right away. The Jaguars’ interior defensive line has gone through some rough patches and was near the bottom of the league last season in stopping the run. Graham would instantly upgrade that unit and provide some much needed assistance in that department.
A new head coach and general manager are certainly causes for concern, but Jacksonville already has franchise cornerstone quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and some other solid pieces in place. Of the possible places Graham could go, Jacksonville is likely the best overall fit.
DL Kenneth Grant: Seattle Seahawks
I feel like Grant is going to be at his best when he’s rested at the next level and can rotate in and out with other quality players. Because of that, my favorite spot for him is with former Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks .
Undoubtedly, the Seahawks have to be better on their defensive line if the Macdonald tenure is going to survive. They improved in 2024, but were still bottom half of the league in rushing yards allowed per game. Grant, of course, can help instantly in both stopping the run and getting after opposing quarterbacks.
As Seattle reinvents their offense without D.K. Metcalf and Geno Smith, the defense will be just as big of a priority. Grant would join Leonard Williams, Demarcus Lawrence, Jarran Reed and 2024 first-round pick Byron Murphy on what has quickly become a really impressive defensive line.
CB Will Johnson: Atlanta Falcons
Johnson would fit in very well with the Atlanta Falcons , as he would create an insane duo at corner with A.J. Terrell. Head coach Raheem Morris needs to get his secondary in order — last year, they were tied for the 10th-worst passing defense in the NFL. They also brought in former Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich — who helped develop Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed — to help shore things up.
The tandem should assist in creating a better defense, and Johnson would fit into the culture they’re establishing.
Edge Josaiah Stewart: Los Angeles Chargers
After the departure of Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack returning on just a one-year deal, the Chargers are turning rather desperate for some assistance in the pass rush. A guy like Stewart, who knows the defense, makes a lot of sense. And in his first year, Harbaugh brought several of his former players into Los Angeles. The opportunity to learn behind a former superstar like Mack and also play a role right away makes this a perfect fit.
DB Makari Paige: Baltimore Ravens
After years of dominance at safety, the Ravens need some more depth in their secondary. Paige knows the defense, knows the Harbaugh family, and could play a role on special teams while providing some depth to a Super Bowl contender.
DB Quinten Johnson: Washington Commanders
A Dan Quinn environment with a star quarterback in Jayden Daniels makes this a desirable spot for just about anybody. The fact they need help in their secondary in a variety of ways helps the case for Johnson who has positional versatility.
CB Aamir Hall: Green Bay Packers
The Packers should be taking a shot at just about anyone who plays cornerback in this draft. They play in perhaps the most offensively explosive division in football and could use a seasoned rookie like Hall in a depth position.