Mel Kiper Jr. describes why Michigan LB Michael Barrett could become 'vital' player in NFL

Michigan had by far one of the most loaded rosters across college football this past season on their way to a national championship win. Which will likely be reflected in the 2024 NFL Draft, with 18 players from the Wolverines receiving invites to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.

One of those players is linebacker Michael Barrett, an experienced defender who ends his Michigan career with the most career games played and as the winningest player in program history.

You will not see Barrett atop any linebacker rankings ahead of the NFL Draft, but ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. explained to Field Yates on ‘First Draft’ why he’ll bring important value to one lucky NFL franchise in April.

“This guy showed up, I mean that’s the bottom line,” Kiper said. “You talk about an overachiever, a guy that was around the football, think about Jim Harbaugh, a guy that was kind of a staple. You knew every week he would be a guy that could be a leader, he’s rock solid, a heck of a collegiate player as a backup in the NFL, special teamer, a guy that you put out there and he’s gonna be a warrior on the field. He’s a guy [that’s] very instinctive Field.”

Kiper doesn’t project Barrett to be an All-Pro during his NFL career, but he does believe that the Wolverines’ former Most Improved Player on Defense turned team captain has what it takes to accept whatever role is thrown in way at the next level and thrive.

“I think a backup type special teamer, another one of those Day Three guys that will be a vital part of your roster. That depth that you need, the ability to fill in and not hurt you when he’s out there if he has to fill in for an injury and be a guy early on [who] makes his mark on special teams. Michael Barrett can be that kind of guy,” Kiper explained.

Yates feels strongly that the Los Angeles Chargers will select Barrett with their fifth-round selection of the draft if he’s available, pairing him with his former head coach Jim Harbaugh.

His partner in crime at the inside linebacker position Junior Colson is more of a highly-rated prospect heading into the draft, with the two ranking No. 1 and No. 2 on the Wolverines in tackles the past two seasons. But both provide all of the leadership, intangibles, and play style that will help any NFL franchise immediately on the defensive side of the ball.

“I’m with you Field, I think being protected by the defensive tackles, very important in Michigan. Freeing up those linebackers like Michael Barrett, an overachiever, to flow to the football and rack up all those tackles,” Kiper said. “And Junior Colson to me, the linebacker you mentioned, a teammate of Michael Barrett, Junior Colson to me is a second/third-round guy, can do it all. So Junior Colson, one of those guys that’s gonna go before Michael Barrett, obviously Barrett gets in to Day Three of the draft.”

The future of Barrett and other Wolverines will be fascinating to watch as the draft gets closer and closer, with Day One kicking off on April 25 in Detroit.