Five Michigan football players make PFF big board for 2026 NFL Draft
The Michigan Wolverines just sent seven players to the 2025 NFL Draft and now the talent evaluators are turning their attention to the 2026 class.
Michigan’s crop of talent for next year’s roster is a bit unproven, but Pro Football Focus has five Wolverines on its early big board for next year’s cycle. The group is headlined by senior EDGE Derrick Moore, who comes in at No. 37 overall and is on the verge of first-round consideration.
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Below is a look at who else the PFF evaluators have in the mix from Ann Arbor to go in next year’s draft.
No. 37: Derrick Moore, EDGE
Moore looks like the next in line to represent Michigan early on from the defensive side of the ball. He was tied with Josaiah Stewart in pressures last season with 37, but only finished with four sacks. However, two of them came in the ReliaQuest Bowl win over Alabama as one of the only star players on defense who did not opt out of the game. This time next year, PFF seems to think he could be on the verge of being a first-round prospect.
No. 63: Rod Moore, safety
By the time Rod Moore hits the field this fall, it will have been nearly two years since we have seen him play competitive game action. But as long as he returns healthy, Michigan is getting a potential All-Big Ten/All-American talent back in its secondary. His six career interceptions would be a welcome addition to this year’s defense, and the ballhawk mentality appeals to NFL teams.
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No. 65: Rayshaun Benny, defensive tackle
Rayshaun Benny enters this year as one of the players to watch to make the biggest leap. He played behind a pair of first-round picks in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant and now gets his chance to lead. His film is already good enough for PFF to place him within range of being taken within the next two rounds next spring.
No. 154: Jaishawn Barham, linebacker
Jaishawn Barham is a do-it-all linebacker who came on in a big way over the last month of the season, but the traits alone have caught the eye of NFL evaluators. If he can put a whole season together, especially with some reps off the EDGE, he could be a popular and versatile prospect when teams put on the film next cycle.
No. 194: Jyaire Hill, cornerback
There’s a huge opportunity this year for Jyaire Hill to round into form as a No. 1 cornerback. The rangy corner had some ups and downs last season, which happens with young players. He finished the 2024 season with one interception and eight passes defended and is the only player on this list who would be an early entry.
