Michigan football mock draft: 14 Wolverines selected in latest simulation

The Michigan Wolverines are national champions and several players have decided to go out on a high note. That means the starter of a new chapter for a ton of key contributors on the roster as they head to the 2024 NFL Draft.

The event is still three months away. but that did not stop us from projecting where they might have a chance to go. Here is a look at where the Michigan prospects went in our latest simulation using Pro Football Focus’ updated mock draft machine.

42. Minnesota Vikings – QB J.J. McCarthy

Most people assume that a major reason McCarthy moved on from Michigan is due to a first-round grade from some teams, so we do expect him to go higher than this. He has a first-round skillset but might need some more refinements in other areas. Using one of the top 32 picks in the draft on him gives you the fifth-year option and an extra season to let him grow. Minnesota fits the bill as a place he might be interested in learning.

62. Detroit Lions – DT Kris Jenkins

The Michigan captain could get the designation of being the first player off the board from Ann Arbor. While the stats are not eye-popping, many NFL evaluators love his versatility and athleticism, in addition to how he sets the table for others.

68. New England Patriots – CB Mike Sainristil

Of all the Michigan players on this list, Sainristil feels like the one with the best chance of rising once scouts catch up to his 2023 tape. He simply makes plays whenever the situation demands it and has been a natural at the nickel spot since making the switch before last season.

70. New York Giants – LB Junior Colson

Coldson is a well-rounded, high-floor defender who might be ready to try things out at the next level. One would think he would be in consideration for a captain spot next year.

89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Roman Wilson

The star wide receiver could have run it back for one more season in Ann Arbor but elected to cash out and see what the NFL had to offer. Some scouts have compared him to Stefon Diggs coming out of Maryland, and if this selection paid off like that the team that selects him would be over the moon.

91. Los Angeles Chargers – RB Blake Corum

Corum has a chance to be a day-two selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. There were no workload concerns this year, and Michigan did a great job keeping him fresh coming off offseason knee surgery.

102. Washington Commanders – G Zak Zinter

Zinter’s broken leg probably will not kill his draft stock as much as this simulation suggested it might, but recovery will certainly impact the process a bit. Before his injury, Zinter was considered a potential first/second-round prospect. We will have to wait and see if he can reclaim some of that.

132. Baltimore Ravens – EDGE Braiden McGregor

Since we’ve started running these PFF simulations, this is the first time McGregor’s name has appeared. There may still be some potential to unlock here, which could make him a worthy day three look for NFL teams looking to add depth and competition to the pass rush.

145. Atlanta Falcons – LB Michael Barrett

After six years, Barrett has finally exhausted his eligibility and feels like a lock to be a stalwart on someone’s special teams unit in the NFL. In an increasingly positionless NFL, he could certainly find a role as a subpackage defender.

149. Denver Broncos – TE AJ Barner

Barner might be one of the most underrated players on the Michigan roster and a reliable piece to the offense. Mid-round consideration is warranted for a guy who came in and showed off a well-rounded skill-set in a tight end-heavy offensive system.

151. Cincinnati Bengals – C Drake Nugent

While not quite as dominant as Olu Oluwatimi was, Nugent came into Michigan ready to roll and fortified the interior of the offensive line. He should have a chance to be drafted in the same range as his predecessor.

172. Philadelphia Eagles – OT LaDarius Henderson

Henderson took some time to get going this season but saved some of his best football for last and solidified the left side of the offensive line. He could have been competing for a pro spot last year but decided to come to Michigan and win a national title.

179. Minnesota Vikings – EDGE Jaylen Harrell

Harrell might not have the same pass-rush upside as some of his peers in the class if he decides to forgo a final season in Ann Arbor, but he has a full toolkit and does a lot of things well. We think he has a shot to rise, too.

181. Washington Commanders – G Trevor Keegan

Keegan is another player that is appearing here for the first time, which feels overdue. Like many of Michigan’s offensive linemen, he has a well-rounded skill set and should be a longtime NFL player. Nobody should rule him out as a potential locker room favorite wherever he winds up.