Where Michigan football players went in pre-CFP mock draft simulation

The Rose Bowl between Michigan and Alabama is the main thing on everyone’s mind right now, but it has plenty of intriguing 2024 NFL Draft subplots. The College Football Playoff semifinal in Pasadena is going to be overflowing with pro talent.

With that in mind, here is a look at where the Michigan prospects went in our latest simulation using Pro Football Focus’ updated mock draft machine.

44. Las Vegas Raiders – DT Kris Jenkins

The Michigan captain gets the designation of being the first player off the board from Ann Arbor in this scenario. 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.

59. Cleveland Browns – QB J.J. McCarthy*

J.J. McCarthy has been a complicated evaluation for some that has first-round upside, but the PFF simulation sends him to the Browns in the second round. This feels unlikely given the fully guaranteed contract given to Deshaun Watson, but the idea of Ohio State Buckeye fans having to root for McCarthy on one of their home-state NFL teams is kind of funny.

66. Arizona Cardinals – S Rod Moore*

Moore did not have the regular season that was envisioned for him but made the play of the season with a game-sealing pick against Ohio State. This simulation sees him sliding a bit into the third round, but a healthy return for a senior season could be helpful for his stock in 2025.

81. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Roman Wilson

Wilson could technically return for a fifth season in 2024, but no decision has been made yet. He would be a solid compliment to George Pickens with the Steelers, who may have some decisions to make at the quarterback position after this year.

102. Arizona Cardinals – RB Blake Corum

Assuming his health checks out, 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.

119. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE AJ Barner

Barner might be one of the most underrated players on the Michigan roster and a reliable piece to the offense. A big game against Alabama and offseason testing could position him for considering early on day three of the 2024 NFL Draft.

121. Seattle Seahawks – RB Donovan Edwards*

The Michigan junior has a decision to make about his future after a season that did not feature the production that was expected from him. Seattle would probably be an odd fit wit Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet already in town. But Edwards has a much higher upside than the fourth round of the draft. He could be the lead dog at U-M next year.

123. Pittsburgh Steelers – 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.

128. Minnesota Vikings – LB Junior Colson*

Michigan’s defense has set itself up to weather any potential attrition at linebacker, but having Colson back in 2024 would be massive. But he 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.

149. Buffalo Bills – 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.

160. Los Angeles Rams – 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.

169. Baltimore Ravens – T LaDarius Henderson

There has been a lot of talk of the Rose Bowl being a “money game” for Michigan players against Alabama’s pro prospect factory. Henderson could have one of the biggest showcases of all going up against the Crimson Tide pass rush.

176. New Orleans Saints – 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 would have a shot to rise, too.

181. Washington Commanders – 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.

Where Alabama’s players went

Michigan knows that the challenge of Alabama comes with the Tide having their own share of elite talent. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (No. 11), EDGE Dallas Turner (No. 15), tackle JC Latham (No. 17) and cornerback Terrion Arnold (No. 22) went in the first round of the simulation, while EDGE Chris Braswell went No. 37 overall.

The rest of Alabama’s standouts in the mock draft were WR Jermaine Burton (50th), C Seth McLaughlin (129th), EDGE Justin Eboigbe (188th), running back Jace McClellan (193rd), safety Malachi Moore (213th) and defensive lineman Tim Smith (219th).

Michigan and Alabama’s matchup in the Rose Bowl is set for Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. ET from Pasadena, California with the Wolverines set as a 1.5-point favorite. The winner will head to Houston on Jan. 8 to play in the College Football Playoff national title game against either Texas or Washington, who play in the Sugar Bowl at 8:45 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Both games will be broadcast via ESPN.