Michigan football: Updated list of remaining NFL Draft decisions
Michigan football still has a handful of players set to make their statuses official with the 2023 NFL Draft deadline approaching on Jan. 16. The biggest news of the week is the return of star running back Blake Corum for his senior season. Now, we wait to see the others.
The Wolverines would love to have both starting guards back in Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter, which is being worked on via the Valiant Management group’s “One More Year Fund” to help entice players on the fence to stay. It played a role in Corum’s decision and almost flipped the tide on a few others who have declared.
Below is a list of the players we are still waiting to hear from, as well as players that have yet to declare and those who have stuck around.
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. There has not been much buzz linking him to the NFL and he appears in the school directory for this semester.
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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.
Defensive lineman Kris Jenkins
Junior defensive tackle Kris Jenkins had previously told The Wolverine he would return for the 2023 season, but Pete Thamel of ESPN reported this week that he is still weighing his options. Jenkins does a lot of the dirty work up front for Michigan, especially when it comes to run defense. Thamel says that Jenkins has received a top-100 projection, which adds a new dimension to the possibility of his future.
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.
Michigan 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)
– Defensive tackle Mazi Smith
– EDGE Mike Morris
– Cornerback Gemon Green
– Cornerback DJ Turner
– Center Olu Oluwatimi (Senior Bowl) – out of eligibility
– Kicker Jake Moody – out of eligibility
– Punter Brad Robbins (NFL Combine invitee) – out of eligibility
Michigan players returning
– Running back Blake Corum
– Defensive back Mike Sainristil
