The 2025 NFL Draft is behind us, and it’s never too early to start looking at what the 2026 draft could hold. In a couple way-too-early mock drafts, one Wolverine defender appears to be trending as a possible first-round pick:
Three Michigan Wolverines were selected in the first 15 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft , and all were part of the team that won the program’s first national championship since 1997. Despite a down year in 2024, expectations for a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025 remain high due to a spectacular finish in 2024 and a refreshed offense — both in personnel and coaching.
The defense is also expected to be stout once again, despite the losses of Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Will Johnson and Josaiah Stewart. Many experts believe another defensive player could wind up being a first-rounder in their way-too-early mock drafts.
FOX Sports’ Rob Rang released his way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft, saying Michigan cornerback Jyaire Hill could be a late first-round talent in a year from now.
“A nagging injury that kept star Will Johnson off the field for much of the 2024 season pushed Hill onto the field as a sophomore; at times, he struggled, guessing wrong and being beaten for three touchdowns. He has the frame, physicality and speed, however, to excite scouts. I see a gifted prospect ready to take a big leap forward in 2025.”
Rang selected Hill No. 29 overall to the Baltimore Ravens in this mock.
Similarly, Bleacher Report sees a path to the first round for Hill, with the Dallas Cowboys taking him at No. 15 overall. Brent Sobleski writes, “Michigan’s Jyaire Hill gives Dallas a corner who has experience on the outside and could line up at nickel. According to NFL Draft Buzz . ‘(Hill) has as explosive movement skills and the fluid athleticism and change-of-direction ability to come down and cover slot receivers,’
Hill started nine games for the Wolverines last season, making 35 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, nine pass breakups and one interception. The redshirt sophomore has the chance to turn into an alpha corner after learning the ropes of the Wink Martindale defense last season. A first-round grade for Hill would mean a significant leap from what we saw in 2024 and would surely be welcomed by Michigan faithful.