The NFL is down to four teams, so the rest of them are looking ahead to April’s NFL Draft. Plenty of Michigan Wolverines are expected to be picked, but could four go in the top-15? Here is this week’s mock draft roundup:
We are mere weeks away from the Super Bowl, signaling the end of the 2024-25 NFL season. Most of the teams in the league have shifted their focus to the fall of 2025 and a long offseason, hoping their teams will compete for the Lombardi Trophy next year. The first step is picking the right players in the NFL Draft , and for the second season in a row, the Michigan Wolverines are expected to be well represented.
Here’s where the experts believe former Wolverines could be headed in April, as well as analysis detailing why they were picked at their respective spots.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler
- No. 5 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Will Johnson
“Personally, I think this is too early for Johnson — but that will be the case for several prospects in this year’s first round. I do really like Johnson’s eyes, feet and coverage IQ to match and make plays on the ball. He has a starter-caliber skill set and would upgrade one of the Jaguars’ outside corner spots as a rookie.”
- No. 7 overall – New York Jets – DL Mason Graham
“The Jets are another team that feels in limbo because of question marks at quarterback. But the roster has plenty of other needs, as well, including on the defensive line. Graham isn’t super long, but he’ll have a high floor in the NFL because he knows how to deconstruct blocks and be a factor against the run or pass.”
- No. 22 overall – Los Angeles Chargers – TE Colston Loveland
“Like Warren to Indianapolis, this is another potential pairing that should be popular in mock drafts. A big, fast and reliable pass catcher, Loveland would help fix several of the Chargers’ offensive woes. And, obviously, no other head coach will be more familiar with how to use his skill set than Jim Harbaugh.”
- No. 31 overall – Kansas City Chiefs – DT Kenneth Grant
“At 6-3, 340, Grant is a rangy big man who can take up space or make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. Adding his talent to the mix would help free up Chris Jones and strengthen the Chiefs’ defensive line.”
- No. 55 overall – Los Angeles Chargers – Edge Josaiah Stewart
ESPN’s Jordan Reid
- No. 5 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Will Johnson
“The Jaguars recorded only six interceptions this season, the third-lowest total in the league. So their secondary needs a boost, and Johnson — who set Michigan’s school record with three career pick-sixes — can provide that. At 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, he’s a big corner who has drawn some comparisons to Broncos Pro Bowler Pat Surtain II. Pairing Johnson with Tyson Campbell would give Jacksonville a young, lockdown duo on the perimeter.”
- No. 7 overall – New York Jets – DL Mason Graham
“The Jets enter this offseason with plenty of holes on the roster after being arguably the most disappointing team of the 2024 season. The lack of depth along the defensive front was exposed all season, and Graham would help fortify it. He makes a lot of sense to pair with Quinnen Williams on the interior. Graham is a stout and disruptive force inside against the run and also in the pass rush. His 19 pressures ranked in the top 20 among FBS defensive tackles.”
- No. 22 overall – Los Angeles Rams – TE Colston Loveland
“Loveland would give the Rams a dynamic tight end to join quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Loveland performed well despite inconsistent QB play, with 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns. He has strong hands and a diverse route tree and can create advantages against linebackers and safeties with his easy movement. Loveland has similar traits to those of Dalton Kincaid.”
- No. 22 overall – Los Angeles Chargers – DL Kenneth Grant
“The Chargers received production from unsung veterans Poona Ford and Teair Tart, but both are pending free agents. That makes defensive tackle a priority, especially if both leave. Grant is a high-effort, active defender who is still developing. He had three sacks in his first season as a starter, and if reunited with his former college coach (Jim Harbaugh) and defensive coordinator (Jesse Minter), he could help the Chargers improve their 18.7% run stop percentage (fifth worst in the NFL).”
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikemma
- No. 5 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars – DL Mason Graham:
“Jaguars edge defenders Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen bring disruptive potential, but the team’s defense lacks strong interior play to match it. Graham, who earned elite PFF overall grades of 90.0 and 90.7 over the past two seasons, is a stud run defender and a twitchy interior pass-rusher. This is a “best player available” type of pick.”
- No. 7 overall – New York Jets – CB Will Johnson
“Johnson was hurt for most of this season, but when he was fully healthy last year, he showed us he was one of the best coverage players in the country with top-tier NFL ability. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he has the athletic ability and fluidity to play mirror-man coverage against any receiver. Adding Johnson to a secondary with Sauce Gardner would create elite potential.”
- No. 21 overall – Denver Broncos – TE Colston Loveland
“Despite wide receiver Courtland Sutton‘s excellence, the Broncos have lacked any other consistent receiver presence on offense in 2024. Head coach Sean Payton has been one to emphasize the tight end position when he has a viable option. Loveland’s lack of production this year was more an indication of how poor Michigan’s passing game was than anything. When he’s healthy and in a rolling offense (see 2023), he’s a big, fluid receiver — an ideal passing weapon for Bo Nix moving forward.”
CBS Sport’s Josh Edwards
- No. 5 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars – DL Mason Graham:
“There are teams with worse rosters that had better seasons than the Jaguars, but they still have needs to fill. Mason Graham fills a position of need as a new head coach is embraced. A front with Josh Hines – Allen , Travon Walker , Arik Armstead and Graham would be formidable.”
- No. 8 overall – Carolina Panthers – CB Will Johnson
“Jaycee Horn has been a really good player when healthy and pass rush is a bigger priority. However, Will Johnson has the potential to be the best player to emerge from this draft and Carolina can not reach for a lesser talent just to address a position of greater need.”
- No. 20 overall – Denver Broncos – TE Colston Loveland
“Denver is a team that I expect to be in the mix for Ashton Jeanty, but the Broncos could choose to address the position on Day 2 as well. Colston Loveland upgrades the tight end position.”
USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
- No. 5 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Will Johnson
“Injuries cost Johnson not only several games this season, but also his deserved spotlight. The 6-2, 202-pounder has proven himself capable of handling almost any matchup or coverage assignment conceivable, as he’s comfortable both blanketing receivers and making plays on the ball. He would be an immediate asset to a Jaguars team that was repeatedly gave up big gains through the air.”
- No. 7 overall – New York Jets – DL Mason Graham
“With no general manager or coach in place and Aaron Rodgers potentially headed out the door, Gang Green’s future is shapeless at the moment. Regardless of whatever direction the franchise heads in, picking up another interior force to put next to Quinnen Williams could help get the rebuild started off right.”
- No. 25 overall – Los Angeles Chargers – TE Colston Loveland
“No hard sell should be required for Jim Harbaugh when it comes to getting a handle on Loveland’s capabilities. In Harbaugh’s final season with the Wolverines in 2023, Loveland used his speed and fluidity to rack up 45 catches for 649 yards in a run-heavy attack. Equipping Justin Herbert with a legitimate threat down the seam seems like a winning proposition.”
- No. 28 overall – Minnesota Vikings – DT Kenneth Grant
“Depending on how the offseason shakes out, cornerback might be the more immediate need on defense for Minnesota. But Grant can create opportunities for others with the attention he commands up front, and he could tap into his considerable potential under the leadership of Brian Flores – assuming the defensive coordinator doesn’t land a head coaching gig this cycle.
The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs
- No. 3 overall – New York Giants – DL Mason Graham
“New York’s quarterback need is going to need to be filled elsewhere in this scenario. And it is likely for the best for New York’s future, too — given that GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are entering the year with the hottest of seats. Lame duck decision-makers committing to a first-round quarterback is, typically, a toxic cycle. Instead, the Giants can grab perhaps the most pro-ready talent in this draft and double down on their current strength in the defensive front seven. Graham next to Dexter Lawrence would be, frankly, terrifying for opposing offensive lines.”
- No. 7 overall – New York Jets – CB Will Johnson
“The Jets are in the midst of a transition on all levels of the organization. There’s going to be a new general manager, presumably a new head coach, and a new direction. But the team’s strength on defense should be retained. Cornerback DJ Reed is set to hit free agency — leaving the spot across from Sauce Gardner vacant and available for a top-flight talent like Will Johnson. Johnson would be gone if not for a junior season marred by injury.”
- No. 15 overall – Atlanta Falcons – DT Kenneth Grant
“The Falcons’ future on defense seems to be in good hands with Raheem Morris, but Atlanta still needs to get more talent across the board. The hard parts on offense are secure, with talent at the skill positions, a sturdy OL and a young QB in Michael Penix Jr. The defensive line can help cut down on the yards and points by being better in the red zone (28th in TD%) and on 3rd downs (45.3% conversion was 31st in the NFL). Kenneth Grant brings more power, physicality, and pass-rush potential to a unit that currently boasts two aging veterans, Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata, both of which are expiring contracts after 2025.”
- No. 22 overall – Los Angeles Rams – TE Colston Loveland
“The Rams are looking to make the most of the final years of Matthew Stafford. In order to do so, they’d be wise to make sure they’re loaded up on the weapons front and able to keep opposing teams guessing. As WR Cooper Kupp starts slowing down, another primary weapon would be beneficial. Thanks to the team’s 2024 investments along the offensive line, it’s possible to seek out and draft a hybrid talent like Colston Loveland, who is part tight end and part big slot receiver.”
Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer
- No. 7 overall – New York Jets – DL Mason Graham
“The Jets will put quarterback on their radar as they see what happens with Aaron Rodgers, but if he stays put, getting someone to help Quinnen Williams would be smart. Graham is can’t-miss with his power, energy, and explosiveness.”
- No. 8 overall – Carolina Panthers – CB Will Johnson
“The Panthers have a ton of defensive needs after not being able to stop much in 2024. Johnson would help them clean up the back end with a potential shutdown bookend.”
- No. 11 overall – San Francisco 49ers – DT Kenneth Grant
“The 49ers should want to tap into the Wolverines for another ferocious interior force to help them add more of an inside pass rush element.”
- No. 14 overall – Indianapolis Colts – TE Colston Loveland
“The Colts are missing a dynamic tight end as a key element in the passing game. Shane Steichen can see his next Dallas Goedert with Loveland’s athletic frame and downfield receiving skills.”