Where will Michigan’s next wave of stars be drafted?
The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and as expected, there were plenty of Wolverines, 13 total, that heard their names called. Despite losing plenty of prospects off the 2023 roster, the 2024 team is still returning plenty of contributors who will find themselves on draft boards as well.
There truly is no offseason in the draft industry, so today, we’ll be taking a look at which of Michigan’s stars are currently being projected to go in the first round of some “way-too-early” 2025 mock drafts.
CB Will Johnson
USA Today – No. 4 Overall; PFF – No. 4 Overall; 33rd Team – No. 6 Overall; Athlon Sports – No. 4 Overall; The Athletic – No. 5 Overall
Johnson came into college as a five-star recruit and has certainly lived up to the billing so far at Michigan, and it would certainly be no surprise to see him come off the board very early in the first round.
Johnson played more of a rotational role on Michigan’s defense in 2022 but impressed in his time on the field. He made 27 tackles, had three interceptions and broke up six passes. Despite the limited role, he was recognized as one of the best corners in the country heading into 2023.
He absolutely delivered on the hype during his sophomore year. He once again made 27 tackles and picked off four passes, including one in the National Championship game. He was also a first-team All-Big Ten (coaches and media) selection, and a first-team All-American according to Sports Illustrated.
Another big year should be in store for Johnson as one of the faces of Michigan’s defense, and he should be in consideration to be the first corner off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.
DT Mason Graham
USA Today – No. 5 Overall; PFF – No. 3 Overall; 33rd Team – No. 12 Overall; Athlon Sports – No. 8 Overall; The Athletic – No. 3 Overall
While Will Johnson is the big name in the secondary for Michigan, Mason Graham is the face of the front seven and currently appears to be the only other Wolverine that is locked in as a first-rounder at this point.
Unlike Johnson, Graham came into college with a little less buzz as a relatively unheralded four-star recruit as a part of the 2022 recruiting class. Graham began making waves though immediately as a freshman, making 27 tackles, 2.5 sacks, en route to freshman All-American honors from Pro Football Focus.
Graham really made an impact as a sophomore in 2023, starting in 13 games and registering 36 tackles (7.5 for a loss) and three sacks. He earned second-team All-American honors from Sporting News and was an All-Big Ten selection (first-team coaches, third-team media) as well.
Graham will go to work again alongside fellow junior Kenneth Grant along the interior defensive line for Michigan, making them arguably the best defensive tackle duo in the country.
DT Kenneth Grant
USA Today – N/A; PFF – No. 20 Overall; 33rd Team – N/A; Athlon Sports – No. 31 Overall
Speaking of Kenneth Grant, his breakout season in 2023 has put him in consideration to be a first round pick in 2025 as well. Grant entered Michigan as a three-star recruit as a part of Michigan’s 2022 recruiting class, and has already developed into one of the best defensive tackles in the country.
Grant played sparingly during his freshman season in 2022, but made his presence felt throughout the 2023 season. He made 29 tackles (5.0 for a loss) with 3.5 sacks and an interception during the season. His efforts would also earn him All-Big Ten honors (second-team coaches, third-team media).
At the moment, it seems like Grant could be a borderline first rounder. Another big season is a must if he wants to cement himself as a first round pick. However, Grant should also move up draft boards with a big performance at the NFL Combine. Grant is a great athlete, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that he offers a 6-foot-3, 339-pound frame.
TE Colston Loveland
USA Today – N/A; PFF – No. 18 Overall; 33rd Team – No. 32 Overall; Athlon Sports – No. 20 Overall; The Athletic – No. 19 Overall
Colston Loveland is also considered a borderline first rounder at the moment, and is coming back for his junior season as one of the best tight ends in the country. The Idaho native has exceeded expectations thus far as a four-star recruit and can climb up draft boards with a big performance in 2024.
Loveland showed flashes of star potential as a freshman, catching 16 passes for 235 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown against Ohio State , but really broke out as Michigan’s starting tight end in 2023. As a sophomore, he caught 45 passes for 649 yards and four touchdowns and was an All-Big Ten selection (first-team coaches, second-team media) as a result.
In 2024, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Loveland surpass his reception, yardage, and touchdown totals, as he figures to be the top target for whoever starts at quarterback. The monster numbers he could put up, combined with his showing at the combine should be enough to lock him into the first round.