Where do Michigan’s prospects stand in the early draft process?
With Michigan’s 2023 season in the books, plenty of Wolverines have announced their decisions to turn pro following Monday’s 2024 NFL Draft declaration deadline. After a successful year, it’s no surprise Michigan has plenty of players getting buzz so early.
With the NFL combine and free agency yet to come, it’s currently a little unclear what types of players that teams will be in search of. However, Michigan’s prospects all bring a variety of tools and traits to the table that could make them fits for a number of NFL franchises.
Today we will take a look at where some of Michigan’s prospects are currently ranking in the early draft process using CBS , ESPN , PFF , Sporting News , and NFL Draft Buzz .
QB – J.J. McCarthy
CBS – No. 22; ESPN – No. 20; PFF – No. 57; Sporting News – No. 26; NFL Draft Buzz – No. 43
The early crowdsource suggests Michigan’s star quarterback could be coming off the board in the late first or second round. Scouts will love his arm talent and ability to run. The fact he turns 21 years old this month also bodes well for him, but his slender frame and late season dip in production could knock him down some pegs.
RB – Blake Corum
CBS – No. 175; ESPN – No. 84; PFF – NR; Sporting News – No. 68; NFL Draft Buzz – No. 77
Michigan’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns currently figures to be a Day 2 pick. He should be appealing due to his vision, agility, and burst. He also has had no shortage of production with back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. However, there may be some concerns about his durability after his 2022 knee injury and the heavy workload he’s taken on the last two years.
WR – Roman Wilson
CBS – No. 120; ESPN – NR; PFF – NR; Sporting News – No. 89; NFL Draft Buzz – No. 92
Wilson’s strong senior season should bode well for him in the draft process, as he took some big strides from where he was at this time last year. His speed will be his most impressive tool, as it helped him regularly gain separation and yards after the catch. There might be some concerns though about his frame and age, as he will be 23 by the time the NFL season starts.
IOL – Zak Zinter
CBS – No. 101; ESPN – No. 69; PFF – NR; Sporting News – No. 92; NFL Draft Buzz – No. 94
Despite a season-ending leg injury, Zinter could still be a hot name on draft boards and could be selected early. Zinter was a unanimous first-team All-American and has been one of college football’s best guards the last two seasons. He really impresses in the run game and would be an excellent fit on any offensive line. His medicals will likely get a lengthy review from any potential suitors.
DL – Kris Jenkins
CBS – No. 73; ESPN – No. 56; PFF – No. 48; Sporting News – No. 52; NFL Draft Buzz – No. 51
Jenkins might have taken a backseat to Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant for parts of the 2023 season, but he’s still an athletic prospect who is a likely second-day pick. His size (6-foot-3 and 305 pounds) would make him an excellent fit in the middle of any defensive line, where he could be especially helpful in run defense.
LB – Junior Colson
CBS – No. 57; ESPN – No. 97; PFF – NR; Sporting News – NR; NFL Draft Buzz – No. 114
Colson had a solid season as a part of Michigan’s excellent linebacker unit, making him a candidate to be a late second-day or early third-day pick. He was highly productive in three college seasons and has a chance to improve his stock at the combine, where he could put up some impressive testing numbers. He also won’t turn 22 years old until December, which could help him as well.
CB – Mike Sainristil
CBS – No. 56; ESPN – No. 79; PFF – NR; Sporting News – NR: NFL Draft Buzz – No. 135
Sainristil could be a polarizing prospect due to his age (23 years old on draft day) and relative inexperience as a defensive back. However, he was an immediate star after flipping over to defense and would be highly valuable as a nickel corner for any team. He could also rise up draft boards with an impressive showing at the combine, but currently looks to be at best a late second-day pick.