Michigan football: Full list of pending NFL Draft decisions

Michigan football is into its offseason now that 2022 has come to an end. There are plenty of decisions to be made moving forward on futures with the program, especially with players that could be heading to the NFL.

Michigan projects to bring much of its core back for the 2023 season, but could be bolstered if some of its stars decide to return for another season. That remains on the table with a handful, but we will know in the coming days and weeks who might be around moving forward.

Here is a look at the players that still have decisions to make, as well as guys who have already declared, accepted showcase invites or run out of eligibility. The deadline to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft is set for Jan. 16.

Running back Blake Corum

Blake Corum has as many as two seasons of eligibility remaining thanks to the COVID year, but a return to Michigan would likely be his swan song. Even that is not guaranteed. Given the shelf life of running backs in the NFL and Corum’s knee recovery, it might make sense for him to make the best of his situation now and work hope he comes off the board in the middle rounds.

Corum’s traits would make him one of the best backs in whatever draft he enters, but his lack of size and the knee injury could push his stock down. NIL considerations could make it a gamble worth making to return to Michigan, but it could go either way. Corum ranks 55th on Pro Football Focus’ top-100 prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Wide receiver Cornelius Johnson

While his name has not appeared on any known NFL Draft boards, Cornelius Johnson just wrapped up his 4th season in Ann Arbor and has the option to return for a 5th season. Michigan could probably use a steady, veteran hand in the wide receiver room with Ronnie Bell on his way out the door. Johnson made some incredibly clutch plays for the Wolverines this year, headlined by his 4-catch, 160 yards and 2 touchdown performance against Ohio State. We will have to wait and see if he opts back in for a 5th season.

Offensive linemen Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter

Michigan’s starting guards could be back in 2023. Senior Trevor Keegan could be back for a 5th season, while Zak Zinter has the chance to opt-in for his 4th in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines have set themselves up to weather the loss or one or both of them with players like Giovanni El-Hadi and Raheem Anderson ready to jump into bigger roles, along with bringing in a trio of linemen through the transfer portal (LaDarius Henderson, Drake Nugent, Myles Hinton). Both would be likely be mid-round prospects if they choose to move on.

EDGE Mike Morris

Mike Morris has a chance to lead the way for Michigan and was the heartbeat of the team’s defensive line this season. He finished the season with 23 total tackles and 7.5 sacks playing from both the EDGE and interior, showcasing his versatility. Morris would be welcomed back for a 5th year with open arms, but he is expected to officially declare and will be their top prospect with a chance to crack the first round. PFF has him at No. 53 overall on its top 100.

Defensive tackle Mazi Smith

The tip of the spear of the Michigan defense, Mazi Smith headlined Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” ahead of the 2022 season and has been underrated in his role. He is a powerful, stout, athletic nose tackle that has been rock solid in all areas, even if he does not have one standout straight. Smith does a lot of the dirty work for his defensive linemates and is a tone-setter upfront, especially in the run game. PFF has him at No. 71 overall.

Linebacker Michael Barrett

Michael Barrett came into Michigan as a high school quarterback that switched to defense and played a hybrid role over the last few seasons. This year, he settled into a starting linebacker role next to Junior Colson. Barrett might have to work for a roster spot and consideration for an NFL team to give him a chance, but in a league that is getting increasingly positonless, he could find a role as a subpackage defender at the next level. He also has the option to return for a 6th year.

Cornerbacks DJ Turner and Gemon Green

Michigan’s two starting cornerbacks have pending decisions that might be the most consequential on the roster. Will Johnson will spend the next few years as the team’s top cornerback, but who will start on the other side of him? Both DJ Turner and Gemon Green would welcome additions back to the roster, but there has not been a lot of buzz suggesting that could be in the works. Turner sits at No. 100 on PFF’s list, while Green would likely be a mid-to-late round pick if he declares.

Kicker Jake Moody

Jake Moody already returned for a 5th season and all indications are that he is likely NFL Draft bound, but nothing official has been said either way. He is expected to leave.

Players already declared/accepted all-star game invites

– Wide receiver Ronnie Bell (Senior Bowl)

– Tight end Luke Schoonmaker (East-West Shrine Game)

– Offensive tackle Ryan Hayes (Senior Bowl)

– Center Olu Oluwatimi (Senior Bowl) – out of eligibility

– Punter Brad Robbins (NFL Combine invitee) – out of eligibility