Skip to main content
michigan logo

Wolverines in the NFL: Jourdan Lewis, Hassan Haskins, Kris Jenkins, AJ Barner make game-changing plays

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•12/24/24•

CSayf23

Jourdan Lewis
Former Michigan Wolverines football cornerback Jourdan Lewis came down with a crazy interception to help the Dallas Cowboys hang on in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo by Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)

Several former Michigan Wolverines football players in the NFL made massive impacts in Week 16, helping their teams in crucial moments. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis, for instance, made one of the biggest plays of the entire weekend, helping his team fend off a late comeback attempt by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Down 26-17, quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers were looking to make it a one-score game with six-and-a-half minutes to play in Dallas. Mayfield fired a pass down field near the end zone to rookie receiver Jalen McMillan with Lewis in coverage. At first, it looked like McMillan came down with the contested catch, but as the defensive back and receiver rolled on the ground, it became apparent that Lewis came up with the ball in the end zone for a touchback. Dallas went on to win, 26-24.

In the primetime game to start the NFL’s Week 16, former Michigan running back Hassan Haskins put the stamp on a 34-24 victory over divisional opponent Denver. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert found Haskins on a check down, and the back made an effective cut to take it the distance, 34 yards for the score to put his team up 34-21 in the fourth.

The Cincinnati Bengals picked up their third-straight win and didn’t allow a touchdown in the process. The Cleveland Browns gained only 273 yards and scored just one touchdown and missed the extra point in a 24-6 loss — and former Michigan defensive tackle Kris Jenkins was a big part of the defensive effort. He had 2 tackles for loss and 2 sacks — his first multi-TFL and multi-sack effort of his rookie season — in the win.

Finally, even in a loss, former Michigan tight end AJ Barner made a crucial touchdown catch in the back of the end zone — reaching up to grab the ball while keeping his feet in bounds — to put his team ahead late in the fourth quarter. The catch came on third-and-goal from the 5-yard line and put the Seahawks up 24-20 after the extra point. Unfortunately for Barner and Co., the Seahawks couldn’t hold on in the 27-24 setback.

Here’s a look at how every former Michigan player in the NFL performed in Week 16.

RELATED
• Where Michigan transfer commits stand in transfer portal player rankings
• Into The Blue: Mentor of Emmanuel Karnley, father of Skyler Bell talk Michigan after big visit weekend

Erick All (played at Michigan from 2019-21), TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Notched 20 catches for 158 yards, starting six of nine games before suffering a torn ACL Nov. 3 that will force him to miss the rest of the year.

AJ Barner (2023), TE, Seattle Seahawks

Caught 2 passes for 13 yards with 1 touchdown in a 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings … His score was the go-ahead touchdown in a wild game that saw the Seahawks’ defense give up the game-winning score … Hauled in 25 catches for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns on 33 targets for the 8-7 Seahawks.

Ben Bredeson (2016-19), OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Started a 26-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys … Opened all 15 games at left guard for the 8-7 Buccaneers, registering a 55.7 overall PFF rating with 29 pressures and 2 sacks allowed.

Devin Bush (2016-18), LB, Cleveland Browns

The former Michigan All-American posted 6 tackles and a season-high 2 pass breakups in a 24-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals … Tallied 73 tackles, including 5 for loss, with 3 pass breakups in 15 outings with 10 starts for the 3-12 Browns.

Zach Charbonnet (2019-20), RB, Seattle Seahawks

Rushed once for minus-1 yard and caught 2 passes for 14 yards in a 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings … Rushed for 453 yards and 8 touchdowns on 106 carries and caught 39 passes for 289 yards and a score … Needs 9 rushing yards to match his total from his rookie season in 2023.

Nico Collins (2017-19), WR, Houston Texans

The former Michigan wideout caught 7 passes for 60 yards in a 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs … Made 60 receptions for 909 yards and 6 scores to lead the 9-6 Texans … The player with the second-highest amount of receiving yards is Tank Dell at 667 … Dell is now injured.

Junior Colson (2021-23), LB, Los Angeles Chargers

The former Michigan linebacker recorded 2 tackles in a 34-27 comeback win over the Denver Broncos … Made 24 tackles and a pass breakup in nine games off the bench for the 9-6 Chargers.

Blake Corum (2020-23), RB, Los Angeles Rams

Rushed 5 times for 14 yards in a 19-9 win over the New York Jets … Notched 53 rushes for 201 yards and 12 first downs and caught 6 passes for 46 yards and 4 first downs in 15 games for the 9-6 and division-leading Rams.

Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

The former Michigan defensive end tallied 1 tackle in a 27-19 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs … Totaled 36 tackles and 1.5 sacks while starting all 11 games in which he’s played for the 14-1 Chiefs.

Chris Evans (2016-18, ’20), RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Out for the season with a knee injury.

Rashan Gary (2016-18), LB, Green Bay Packers

Collected 2 tackles and a fumble recovery in a 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints … Totaled 41 tackles, 6 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks while opening all 15 games for the 11-4 Packers.

Graham Glasgow (2012-15), OL, Detroit Lions

The former Michigan offensive lineman started at left guard in a 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears … Opened all 15 outings for the 13-2 Lions, including 14 at left guard … Generated a 55.9 overall PFF rating.

Brandon Graham (2006-09), DE, Philadelphia Eagles

The 36-year-old tore his triceps Nov. 24 and is out for the remainder of the season … Entered the year saying the 2024 campaign was his last … Tallied 20 tackles, 5 stops for loss, 3.5 sacks, 7 quarterback hits and 2 pass breakups in 11 appearances for the 12-3 Eagles.

Jaylen Harrell (2020-23), OLB, Tennessee Titans

The former Michigan EDGE made a tackle in a 38-30 loss to the Indianapolis Colts … Played in all 15 games and made 13 tackles, including 2 for loss, for the 3-12 Titans.

Hassan Haskins (2018-21), RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Gave the Chargers a 34-24 lead with a 34-yard touchdown reception in a 34-27 win over the Denver Broncos … Also caught another pass to gain 5 yards … Rushed 14 times for 26 yards and a touchdown with 6 first downs and reeled in 2 receptions for 39 yards in 15 games.

LaDarius Henderson (2023), OG, Houston Texans

On the “reserve/non-football injury” list, having undergone foot surgery in July.

Dax Hill (2019-21), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Out for season after five games, totaling 25 tackles and 2 pass breakups as a starter.

Khaleke Hudson (2016-19), LB, Cleveland Browns

Did not play in a 24-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals … Seen action in 15 games, totaling 7 tackles.

James Hudson III (2017-18), OT, Cleveland Browns

Started three of four games but hasn’t played since Sept. 29 as the Browns’ offensive line has gotten more healthy.

Maurice Hurst II (2014-17), DT, Cleveland Browns

The former Michigan defensive tackle was placed on injured reserve Dec. 7 (ankle) … Recorded 16 tackles, including 4 for loss, a half-sack and a quarterback hit in eight outings with two starts.

Aidan Hutchinson (2018-21), DE, Detroit Lions

Broke his fibula and tibia Oct. 13 and listed as out indefinitely, but Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Dec. 8 that the Lions are holding out hope he could return for the NFC championship game, and Hutchinson himself said on a podcast last week that he’s been telling Lions teammates he will be back for the Super Bowl if the team makes it to the final game … Made 19 tackles, 7 stops for loss, 7.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and a forced fumble while opening five games.

Kris Jenkins (2020-23), DT, Cincinnati Bengals

Recorded his second and third sacks of his career, also adding 2 tackles for loss in a 24-6 win over the Cleveland Browns … Tallied 28 tackles, 3 stops for loss and 3 sacks in 13 games with seven starts for the 7-8 Bengals.

Trevor Keegan (2019-23), OG, Philadelphia Eagles

Yet to make his NFL debut.

Jourdan Lewis (2013-16), CB, Dallas Cowboys

The former Michigan cornerback made a big interception, 2 pass breakups and 6 tackles in a thrilling 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Collected 61 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and an interception in 14 games with 11 starts for the 7-8 Cowboys.

J.J. McCarthy (2021-23), QB, Minnesota Vikings

Out for the season with a knee injury suffered during training camp.

Braiden McGregor (2020-23), EDGE, New York Jets

Saw action on defense (12 snaps) and special teams (six) in a 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, after being inactive the previous four games … Totaled 6 tackles in seven appearances for the 4-11 Jets.

Cameron McGrone (2018-20), LB, Indianapolis Colts

Racked up 2 tackles in a 38-30 win over the Tennessee Titans … Played in eight games with 6 tackles for the 7-8 Colts.

Josh Metellus (2016-19), S, Minnesota Vikings

The former Michigan safety made 7 tackles in a 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks … Tallied 95 tackles, 2 stops for loss, 4 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 2 interceptions in 15 games with nine starts for the 13-2 Vikings.

Joe Milton (2018-20), QB, New England Patriots

Hasn’t made his NFL debut.

Jake Moody (2018-22), K, San Francisco 49ers

The former Michigan kicker went 1-of-2 on field goals with 2 made extra points in a 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins … His miss was from 41 yards out … 23-of-30 on field goals with a 53-yard long in 12 games this season.

Mike Morris (2019-22), DE, Seattle Seahawks

Played on special teams in a 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings … Seen action in 13 games, making 5 tackles.

David Ojabo (2019-21), OLB, Baltimore Ravens

The former Michigan outside linebacker made a tackle in a 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers … Tallied 8 tackles, including 2 for loss, and 2 sacks in 11 games as a backup for the 10-5 Ravens.

Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks

Started and played all 64 offensive snaps in a 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings … Opened the last six games at center and has played in 10 on the year.

Mike Onwenu (2016-19), OL, New England Patriots

Started at right guard in a 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills … Registered a 64.5 overall PFF rating with 29 pressures and 2 sacks allowed while starting all 15 games for the 3-12 Patriots.

Kwity Paye (2017-20), DE, Indianapolis Colts

The former Michigan defensive end tallied a sack to go along with 4 tackles, including 1 for loss, in a 38-30 win over the Tennessee Titans … Paye is up to 7 sacks on the season, 1.5 shy of his career best that he set last year … Opened all 13 games and made 37 tackles, including 8 for loss.

Jabrill Peppers (2014-16), S, New England Patriots

Inactive with a hamstring injury … Removed from the commissioner exempt list Nov. 25 after pleading not guilty in early October to charges that included strangulation and drug possession … Appeared in six clashes, starting all of them and posting 40 tackles and an interception.

Josh Ross (2017-21), LB, Seattle Seahawks

Saw 23 snaps on special teams in a 27-20 loss to the Minnesota Vikings … Totaled 8 tackles in 15 games, including eight with the Seahawks after being released by the Baltimore Ravens.

Cesar Ruiz (2017-19), C/G, New Orleans Saints

The former Michigan offensive lineman started at right guard for the 5-10 Saints in a 34-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers Monday night … He has a 63.8 overall PFF rating with 10 pressures and 1 sack given up while opening 11 games.

Jon Runyan (2016-19), OG, New York Giants

Suffered a season-ending ankle injury Dec. 8 … Started 13 games at right guard.

Mike Sainristil (2019-23), CB, Washington Commanders

Tied his career best with 7 tackles in a 36-33 win over the Philadelphia Eagles … Totaled 80 tackles, 1 stop for loss, 2 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in 15 games with 14 starts for the 10-5 Commanders.

Luke Schoonmaker (2018-22), TE, Dallas Cowboys

Reeled in 1 grab for 3 yards in a 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Caught 25 passes for 225 yards and a score in 15 games with five starts.

Mazi Smith (2019-22), DT, Dallas Cowboys

Racked up 3 tackles in a 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Recorded 36 tackles, 3 stops for loss and a half-sack while opening all 15 games.

Benjamin St-Juste (2017-18), CB, Washington Commanders

The former Michigan and Minnesota cornerback made a tackle and recovered a fumble in a 36-33 win over the Philadelphia Eagles … Made.7 pass breakups with 63 tackles in 15 outings with 13 starts.

Andrew Stueber (2017-21), OT/G, Cincinnati Bengals

Saw action on special teams for five plays in a 24-6 win over the Cleveland Browns … Played in seven games.

Ambry Thomas (2017-19), CB, free agent

Missed the entire season to this point with a forearm injury … Has gotten healthier and was waived by the San Francisco 49ers last week … Claimed by the Indianapolis Colts but failed his physical.

DJ Turner II (2019-12), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Went down with a clavicle injury and was placed on injured reserve Nov. 19 … Racked up 29 tackles, 8 pass breakups and a tackle for loss in 11 games with six starts.

Joshua Uche (2016-19), LB, Kansas City Chiefs

Inactive the last three weeks … Registered 2 tackles in five games after being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs … Totaled 15 stops and 2 sacks in 12 overall appearances, including seven with the New England Patriots.

Ben VanSumeren (2018-20), LB/FB, Philadelphia Eagles

Played offense, defense and special teams this season, appearing in 11 outings … Missed the last four games with injury.

Josh Wallace (2023), CB, Los Angeles Rams

Made a tackle on special teams in a 19-9 win over the New York Jets … Appeared in 15 outings and made 5 tackles with 2 pass breakups.

Roman Wilson (2020-23), WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

The former Michigan wide receiver is injured reserve and has only played in one contest in his rookie campaign.

Zak Zinter (2020-23), OG, Cleveland Browns

Played on special teams in all 15 games and offense in eight with three starts this season … On special teams for one snap in a 24-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals over the weekend.

You may also like