ESPN mock draft has four Michigan first rounders in 2025
The Michigan Wolverines just set a program record with 13 players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the 2025 cycle could be one that is far more top-heavy. Defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland are all first-rounders in the first mock sent out by ESPN’s Jordan Reid.
Johnson leads the way in Reid’s projection with the Arizona Cardinals selecting him No. 7 overall. Interestingly enough, it would make him a teammate of Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., who went to the Cardinals with the No. 4 overall pick this year. Johnson famously picked off a pass intended for Harrison in last year’s 30-24 win over Ohio State.
“At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, Johnson is a big, patient corner with fluid hips and excellent movement skills,” Reid says. “He transitions in and out of his backpedal extremely well, though he will need to become more disciplined in coverage this season before turning pro. He can be overaggressive attacking routes. Still, Johnson allowed just 14 catches into his coverage last season (zero TDs) and hauled in four interceptions. I could see some comparisons to Pat Surtain II coming his way. Arizona drafted Max Melton and signed Sean Murphy-Bunting, but the CB room still has a ways to go.”
Right behind him at No. 8 overall is Graham, who heads to the Minnesota Vikings and reunites him with former quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the team’s No. 10 pick this year.
“Minnesota’s interior defensive line lacks a consistent presence, and Harrison Phillips is entering the final year of his contract,” Reid said. “Graham is a rugged, heavy-handed run defender and disruptive pass-rusher. He had 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks last season, and he’d fit great with defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme.”
Loveland, who could be a focal point of the Michigan passing game, went to the Miami Dolphins with the No. 22 selection in the first round, adding another piece to the talented offense.
“The Dolphins signed Jonnu Smith, but let’s keep adding to the tight end group for Tua Tagovailoa,” he said. “At 6-5, Loveland is a lanky coverage penetrator with the speed to find the soft spots in zone. He’s capable of lining up in-line and from the slot, and his production has only continued to increase over time; he finished last season with 45 catches, 649 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.”
Last but not least, Grant makes it four Michigan stars in Reid’s projection, headed to the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty to play with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and company.
“Kansas City is really good at developing draft picks on defense, and Grant can make an impact up the middle with spurts of disruption,” Reid said. “He can not only clog interior gaps but also quickly penetrate to make plays with his combination of power and quickness out of his stance. Grant had eight run stops and 6.5 tackles for loss last season.”
