ESPN's Mel Kiper, Field Yates pick seven Michigan stars in three-round mock draft
The Michigan Wolverines are the headlining school in the 2024 NFL Draft, looking to set a record for players selected in the event and breaking Georgia’s record of 15 set in 2022. The group is headlined by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who could go as high as the top five.
The buzz continues to grow suggesting that will be the case. In a joint mock draft between ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates, McCarthy goes No. 5 overall to the Minnesota Vikings, who make a big trade up to go get their guy.
“Did you expect a different quarterback here? Giving up that 2025 pick is going to hurt for Minnesota, but it would be worth it if the organization feels McCarthy can be the guy,” Kiper said after projecting the Vikings send picks No. 11, 23 and a 2025 first rounder to move up. “There’s some risk involved — McCarthy was never asked to carry the load with his arm in college — but his physical tools are appealing.”
Yates was the next to predict a Michigan player off the board with defensive back Mike Sainristil going No. 52 overall in the second round to the Carolina Panthers.
“Sainristil would be an excellent nickel for Carolina,” Yates said. “He has a penchant for forcing turnovers — he had six picks in 2023 — and is standout tackler.”
Kiper was responsible for grabbing the next two Michigan players off the board, sending wide receiver Roman Wilson to the Washington Commanders at 67th overall in the second round.
“Washington should use one of its three third-rounders on a wideout who can help its new quarterback in 2023. Wilson, who ran a 4.39-second 40 at the combine, can make plays on screens and crossers,” Kiper said.
Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins was Kiper’s next Wolverine, going No. 69 overall to former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Did you think Jim Harbaugh would go through his first draft with the Chargers and not take a Michigan man?” Kiper asked. “Jenkins can be a solid interior pass-rusher at the next level. His dad, Kris, was a second-round pick by the Panthers in 2001.”
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Yates got back in the Michigan mix with linebacker Junior Colson, selected at pick 70 by the Tennessee Tians.
“Speaking on Michigan, how about Colson’s fit with Tennessee? He would add immediate toughness to a Titans defense that lost Azeez Al-Shaair in free agency to Houston,” Yates said.
Kiper kept the ball rolling in the third round with Zak Zinter heading to the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 81 overall selection.
“Zinter broke his leg against Ohio State in November, forcing him to miss the Wolverines’ College Football Playoff run,” Kiper said. “I don’t think there’s any reason to worry about him missing his rookie season, though. Seattle has just two picks in the first two days of the draft, and it has to add competition at guard with one of those.”
Last, but certainly not least, in the top-100 mock was running back Blake Corum at No. 97 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals.
“With Joe Mixon gone, Corum would have a chance to compete for carries as a rookie,” Corum is a little undersized at 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds, but he can break tackles. He is Michigan’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (58), total touchdowns (61) and points scored (356).”
