The Michigan Wolverines’ star linebacker could be taken earlier than originally expected.
In the lead up to the 2024 NFL Draft , interest is rising on the potential record-setting number of Michigan Wolverines that could be taken. Not many of them are expected to go on Day 1, but there is one guy who could hear his name called sooner than anticipated.
Recently spotlighted by Tom Pelissero of NFL.com as one of four potential surprise first-round selections, Junior Colson’s rise from promising prospect to potential NFL star has captivated the attention of scouts and fans alike.
From his true freshman season until now, Colson has been a force on the Wolverines’ defense. Blessed with sideline-to-sideline speed and a nose for the football, he has emerged as a disruptive presence in both the running game and pass rush. His ability to shed blockers and make plays in space has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s elite linebackers.
Pelissero’s article highlights Colson’s potential as an elite NFL defender, citing his rare blend of physical tools and football instincts as key factors in his rise up draft boards. While Colson may not have initially garnered the same level of attention as others in the linebacker class, his impressive performance over the Wolverines’ championship-winning season has not gone unnoticed by NFL scouts.
“As my colleague Daniel Jeremiah noted recently, this isn’t a good year to need off-ball linebackers,” Pelissero wrote. “But if one player at that position sneaks into Round 1, it might be the 21-year-old Colson, who led the national champion Wolverines in tackles for the second straight season in 2023 with 95. He also won the Lott IMPACT (Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, Tenacity) Trophy last season — an honor that went to a pair of top-three picks (Aidan Hutchinson and Will Anderson Jr.) in the previous two years. Colson has good size at 6-2 1/4, 238 pounds. He’s also a PFF favorite, as one of just six FBS linebackers to boast 80-plus grades in run defense and coverage in 2023 (min. 600 snaps).
“Colson didn’t participate in drills and testing at the combine because of a hamstring injury suffered in training, and a busy string of visits — including to the Cowboys, who served as his medical recheck — made it impractical to ramp up training again in time to work out at Michigan’s pro day. But he played in all 43 games (36 starts) over three seasons at Michigan, despite battling a foot injury in 2022 and breaking his left hand in 2023, forcing him to play in a cast. (He also wore a splint on his right hand down the stretch of last season.) Value will be the question, but Colson profiles as the definition of a safe pick.”
What makes Colson such an intriguing prospect is his versatility and playmaking ability. Whether dropping into coverage, blitzing off the edge or stuffing the run, he has a knack for making plays during crucial moments. His athleticism and football IQ make him a valuable asset for any NFL defense looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their roster.
While some may view Colson as a potential surprise pick in the first round, others see him as a player with the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level. Whichever team selects Colson will be getting a player with the talent and drive to excel in the NFL.