Carolina Panthers select Michael Barrett in seventh round of 2024 NFL Draft

Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett has been selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, taken with the No. 240 overall pick.

Barrett was a crafty veteran who played for the Wolverines for six seasons and racked up 35 starts across 64 appearances.

He was voted a team captain during the 2023 campaign, in which the Wolverines won a national championship. He was also a two-time All-Big Ten selection.

During his career, Barrett racked up 208 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and six passes defended.

Prior to enrolling at Michigan, Michael Barrett was a three-star prospect and the No. 748 overall recruit in the 2018 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

He also checked in as the No. 91 linebacker in the class and the No. 73 overall player from the state of Georgia, hailing from Valdosta (GA) Lowndes.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Michael Barrett

Barrett’s size is a concern for some analysts, as he checks in at just 5 foot 11, 233 pounds. It’s going to be hard for him to be an every-down thumper at that size.

Still, the talented veteran showed a lot of ability at Michigan and his leadership will be a valuable asset in an NFL clubhouse.

Writes NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein in evaluating Michael Barrett:

“Six-year Wolverine who has shown steady improvement over the last two or three years. Barrett lacks ideal size to take on big blockers and doesn’t play proactively enough to stay ahead of blockers. His lateral burst to pursue bounce-wide runs is just average, but when he lines up his target, he can be a ferocious striker and wrap-up tackler.

“Barrett’s anticipation and instincts leave too much to be desired, but he might have enough cover talent and special teams ability to fight for a roster spot as a nickel/dime linebacker.”