Four Michigan players appear in ESPN two-round NFL mock draft

The most first-round picks Michigan Wolverines football has had in an NFL Draft is three, back in 1995 and 2001, but the program has a great chance of breaking its record in 2025.

Four Michigan players appeared in the first 16 picks of ESPN.com analyst Jordan Reid‘s two-round mock draft, all of them safely in the opening round. The Wolverines who are projected that high are defensive tackle Mason Graham (No. 5 to the Jacksonville Jaguars), cornerback Will Johnson (No. 11 to the San Francisco 49ers), tight end Colston Loveland (No. 14 to the Indianapolis Colts) and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (No. 16 to the Arizona Cardinals).

DT Mason Graham — No. 5 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville has been a popular projected destination for Grant, who’s the first defensive tackle listed in the mock. The players who were selected ahead of him are Miami quarterback Cam Ward (No. 1 to the New York Giants), Colorado quarterback Shadeur Sanders (No. 2 to the Cleveland Browns), Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter (No. 3 to the Tennessee Titans) and Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter (No. 4 to the New England Patriots). Reid projected that Tennessee will trade the first pick for the Giants’ No. 3 overall spot.

“I think new general manager James Gladstone will mimic the blueprint he helped establish with the Rams by selecting players who are ready to play immediately,” Reid wrote. “Graham gives Jacksonville a building block who can immediately improve one of the league’s worst defenses. The Jaguars were 31st in yards allowed per play (5.9) and last in turnovers forced (nine).

“Graham surprisingly weighed 296 pounds at the combine after being listed at 320 at Michigan, but the scouts I talked to weren’t fazed. His hand speed and ability to deconstruct blocks are among the best in a deep defensive line class, and his 19 pressures were tied for 21st in the FBS among defensive tackles.”

The two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection collected 45 tackles, including 7 for loss and 3.5 sacks, and 3 pass breakups in 2024. He became Michigan’s first unanimous All-American defensive taclke since Mark Messner in 1988. If Graham does come off the board at No. 5, he’d be the highest-drafted Michigan defensive tackle of the common era (since 1970).

CB Will Johnson — No. 11 overall to the San Francisco 49ers

Johnson sat out of NFL Combine drills but is set to participate at Michigan’s March 21 pro day. His stock is already sky high, considered one of the best cornerbacks in the draft class. He’s the top player at his position off the board in this mock, when taking out Hunter, who also plays wide receiver.

“Defensive line is an option, as the 49ers need help along the interior,” Reid wrote. “They could also pick an offensive tackle to kick-start their succession plan for All-Pro Trent Williams, who will be 37 this upcoming season. But Johnson’s value at this pick would be too good for San Francisco to pass up.

“He’s arguably the best corner in this year’s class (depending on where you put Travis Hunter) and has prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-2, 194 pounds. Johnson’s technique and ball skills are among the best in the 2025 draft.”

If Johnson is taken No. 9, he’d be the highest-drafted Michigan cornerback since Charles Woodson went No. 4 to the Oakland Raiders in 1998.

TE Colston Loveland — No. 14 overall to the Indianapolis Colts

Loveland is coming off a standout junior season that saw him haul in 56 catches for 582 yards and 5 touchdowns, all Michigan team-high marks. He was second-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-America, considered the second-best tight end in the class behind Penn State’s Tyler Warren (No. 9 to the New Orleans Saints).

“The Colts had the fewest receiving yards from tight ends in the NFL in 2024,” Reid wrote. “They also need to add at the position because Mo Alie-Cox is set to be a free agent.

“Loveland performed well despite erratic Michigan QB play this past season, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns. He’s a glorified big receiver who transitions in and out of breaks with ease while showing excellent hands. He’s better flexed out but can play in-line if needed. Loveland could create mismatches and be the safety blanket quarterback Anthony Richardson desperately needs.”

If Loveland does hear his name called in the opening round, he’d be the first Michigan tight end to accomplish that feat since Paul Seymour was selected No. 7 overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1973.

DT Kenneth Grant — No. 16 overall to the Arizona Cardinals

Grant didn’t work out at the combine, missing events with a hamstring injury despite intending on testing. However, the Michigan standout still considered a first-round selection. He posted 32 tackles, 6.5 stops for loss, 3 sacks and 5 pass breakups on the year. His 12 career pass breakups are the most by a defensive lineman in Michigan history.

“The Cardinals badly need high-quality starters on their defensive line,” Reid wrote. “Grant steadily improved this season, which was his first in a full-time starting role. He responded well to increased snap counts, playing 30 or more snaps in 10 games in 2024 after doing so only six times in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 332-pound lineman is an explosive wrecking ball of potential. He needs more consistency in his pad level, but the traits are impossible to ignore.”