Eight Michigan football players go in ESPN analyst's 7-round mock draft

The Michigan Wolverines are expected to be heavily represented at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay with as many as four first-round picks to kick off the event. Defensive tackle Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson, tight end Colston Loveland and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant headline the class for U-M.

ESPN’s Matt Miller put out a 7-round mock draft on Tuesday morning, where one of Michigan’s quartet of stars slid into the event’s second round. Three more players went in the seventh round to close out the draft.

Here’s a look at where each player landed in Miller’s mock.

DT Mason Graham: No. 5 overall, Jacksonville Jaguars

What Miller said: New Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone has talked about building up the trenches, and he can start doing that with the best defensive tackle in the draft. Gladstone was with the Rams when they traded up to draft Braden Fiske in Round 2 last year and might see a similar player in Graham — but with more pass-rush upside.

Graham doesn’t lose many reps and has the quickness to slice through blockers and dominate gaps. He had 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures this past season despite not being asked to attack the quarterback often. His well-rounded approach and ability would make him a cornerstone of the Jaguars’ new defense.

CB Will Johnson: No. 11 overall, San Francisco 49ers

What Miller said: What do you get for a team that lost nine starters this offseason? The best player on the board. Johnson is that player, a seamless replacement for Charvarius Ward who would be a true homegrown talent at CB1, something the 49ers haven’t had in ages. Johnson was limited to six games in 2024 with a toe injury but had two interceptions — both of which he returned for touchdowns. His playmaking ability and savvy ball skills in zone coverage remind me of Trevon Diggs. When healthy, Johnson is one of the best defenders in the nation. The 49ers can bet on a bounce-back in health and that Johnson will develop better tackling at the next level.

TE Colston Loveland: No. 14 overall, Indianapolis Colts

What Miller said: The Colts had only 39 receptions from their tight ends this past season, the fewest in the NFL. Loveland would provide an immediate upgrade as a natural pass catcher with soft hands, elite agility in space and the speed to run himself open.

He missed time with a shoulder injury and was in a sling at the combine in late February, but it won’t affect the start of his NFL career. Loveland was the Michigan passing game this past season, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns despite anemic QB play. He also became an accomplished move blocker in the Wolverines’ run-heavy scheme, which Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will appreciate.

DT Kenneth Grant: No. 39 overall, Chicago Bears

What Miller said The Bears added Grady Jarrett in free agency, but they could use a 1-technique who can collapse pockets and push the pile in the run game. The 331-pound Grant would fill that need with his elite quickness and tools. He has the power to anchor in the run game and the movement necessarily to slip past blockers as a pass rusher. Grant is also elite at knocking down passes, with 11 pass breakups over the past two seasons. The Bears are better on the line now than when the offseason began, but Grant would raise their ceiling even more.

EDGE Josaiah Stewart: No. 82 overall, Seattle Seahawks

Coaches have told me that Stewart was the toughest player on Michigan’s 2023 national championship team. He’s a highly productive edge rusher (30 career sacks) with immediate rush ability and fills a need for Seattle.

Michigan’s other draftees

The rest of the Michigan players selected went in the seventh round of the mock, with running back Donovan Edwards going No. 229 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Offensive tackle Myles Hinton was selected at No. 240 by the Chicago Bears. Running back Kalel Mullings rounded out the group by heading to the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 256.