Michigan has No. 3 overall pick in latest ESPN mock, star compared to All-Pro talent
The Michigan Wolverines are projected to field one of the most talent-rich teams in the country once again during the 2024 season, which could make for another fruitful draft weekend next spring. ESPN put out its most recent mock draft on Tuesday from analyst Matt Miller with three Wolverines selected inside the top 14 picks.
Leading the way is junior cornerback Will Johnson, who was selected No. 3 overall by the Denver Broncos. His selection could potentially give the franchise one of the best cornerback duos in all of football along with All-Pro Patrick Surtain II.
“The Broncos could look at offensive tackle with Garett Bolles’ contract set to expire after the 2024 season, but this is a team in ‘best player available’ territory,” Miller writes. “Johnson’s tape from his first two seasons at Michigan is some of the best cornerback tape I’ve seen. The 6-foot-2 playmaker’s closest comparison as a college prospect is Pat Surtain II, whom he’d be lined up opposite in this scenario in Denver. Johnson has seven career interceptions, he is an active tackler, and he has the size and speed to erase receivers.”
Joining him inside the top ten is classmate and defensive tackle Mason Graham, who joins former teammate J.J. McCarthy with the Minnesota Vikings with the 7th overall selection.
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“The Vikings made big additions in the 2024 first round, adding quarterback J.J. McCarthy and defensive end Dallas Turner,” Miller said. “But the interior of the defensive line should get a big look next year, and Graham is a legitimate contender for the class’s top overall prospect. His stats won’t blow you away, thanks to Michigan’s defensive line rotation and assignments — he had three sacks in ’23 — but Graham’s explosion and power jump off the tape.”
Rounding out the group is tight end Colston Loveland, Michigan’s only returning offensive starter from the 2023 season and the potential focal point of the passing game this year. Miller’s mock has him heading to the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 14 pick in next year’s draft.
“Who could resist the temptation to give Anthony Richardson more playmakers?” Miller asked. “Tight end remains one of the team’s few offensive question marks, and Loveland will be a top-10 player on my preseason board thanks to his ability as a receiver and expert run blocking. He caught 45 passes for four scores in the run-heavy Michigan offense last season, and the 6-5 junior has elite agility and speed in the open field as a receiving option.”
The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
