2024 NFL Combine preview: Led by J.J. McCarthy, Wolverines sending record 18 to pre-draft showcase
The 2024 NFL Combine in Indianapolis kicks off this week with 18 former Michigan Wolverines being in town for the event. Of course, they are plenty familiar with Lucas Oil Stadium and its surroundings having played in the last three Big Ten Championships. But this trip to the Circle City could have major implications on each of their pro futures.
Michigan’s 18 players in attendance this week is a modern record from the same school in the event, so there will be plenty of Maize and Blue on display in Indy.
Headlined by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the College Football Playoff National Champions will now look to interview and test for the entirety of the NFL. McCarthy has the best chance of being selected first among Michigan players, and potentially one of the first players off the board.
With talents such as USC’s Caleb Williams and LSU’s Jayden Daniels not planning on throwing at the event, it could be a chance for McCarthy to establish himself as a legitimate top-10 prospect and one of the top quarterbacks available.
“No quarterback is climbing draft boards like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy right now,” Justin Melo of The Draft Network wrote. “Fresh off a National Championship victory, McCarthy is beginning to threaten for top-10 status and may even leap over Jayden Daniels and/or Drake Maye on certain draft boards.
“It’s difficult to envision McCarthy doing anything that hinders his draft stock in Indianapolis. McCarthy’s combination of arm talent and athletic ability should lead to eye-opening results. Expect McCarthy to continue his ascension.”
McCarthy is not the only Michigan player with stock rising heading into the event. Talent evaluators will likely also be keeping a close eye on the likes of wide receiver Roman Wilson, defensive back Mike Sainristil, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, linebacker Junior Colson and running back Blake Corum, all of whom have been mentioned as potential day two (second/third round) selections in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at the full group of Michigan guys who will be in Indy, as well as when they speak to the media and work out.
Full list of Michigan players attending the combine
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (PFF big board: 30th)
Wide receiver Roman Wilson (50th)
Defensive back Mike Sainristil (53rd)
Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (58th)
Linebacker Junior Colson (65th)
Running back Blake Corum (88th)
Wide receiver Cornelius Johnson (128th)
Linebacker Michael Barrett (146th)
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (152nd)
Center Drake Nugent (160th)
EDGE Braiden McGregor (172nd)
Tight end AJ Barner (174th)
Offensive guard Trevor Keegan (189th)
Offensive tackle LaDarius Henderson (191st)
EDGE Jaylen Harrell (204th)
Cornerback Josh Wallace (218th)
Offensive tackle Trente Jones (224th)
Offensive tackle Karsen Barnhart (282nd)
Interview schedules
Wednesday, Feb. 28 – Defensive linemen and linebackers (Jenkins, Colson, Barrett, McGregor, Harrell)
Thursday, Feb. 29 – Defensive backs and tight ends (Sainristil, Barner, Wallace)
Friday, March 1 – Running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers (McCarthy, Corum, Wilson, Johnson)
Saturday, March 2 – Offensive line and specialists (Zinter, Nugent, Keegan, Henderson, Jones, Barnhart)
Workout schedules
Thursday, Feb. 29 – Defensive linemen and linebackers (Jenkins, Colson, Barrett, McGregor, Harrell)
Friday, March 1 – Defensive backs and tight ends (Sainristil, Barner, Wallace)
Saturday, March 2 – Running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers (McCarthy, Corum, Wilson, Johnson)
Sunday, March 3 – Offensive line and specialists (Zinter, Nugent, Keegan, Henderson, Jones, Barnhart)
Coverage of Michigan in the 2024 NFL Combine
The Wolverine will be in attendance from Thursday through Saturday in Indianapolis. Keep it locked in here for the latest from the event and more coverage of Team 144’s pro prospects leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, set for Detroit on April 25-27.
