Wolverines in the NFL: Checking in on Michigan rookies

Michigan Wolverines football saw 18 football players, including 13 NFL Draft picks, head to the professional ranks for the 2024 season, and several are standing out.

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Josh Wallace, who went undrafted, has made two starts, and Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Zak Zinter has opened three games. Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Junior Colson has been banged up but is getting rotational snaps, and Rams running back Blake Corum has gotten some backup carries (23 rushes for 80 yards through nine games).

There are others making bigger contributions, though, including Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. He’s started two of eight games and has been productive with 16 tackles, 1 stop for loss and a sack. He broke out Nov. 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, posting a career-high 5 tackles and the first sack of his career.

Two tight ends, meanwhile, have really stood out. Erick All — who spent 2019-21 at Michigan before finishing his career at Iowa — had become a featured receiver and blocker for the Bengals, before going down with a season-ending ACL injury Nov. 3. All (21) and Seattle Seahawks rookie AJ Barner (17) are ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in targets among NFL rookie tight ends. Both former Michigan tight ends have been impressive, with All making 20 catches for 158 yards and Barner totaling 14 grabs for 132 yards and a touchdown.

And then there’s Washington Commanders nickel back Mike Sainristil, who’s getting better and better. He’s opened nine of 10 outings and registered 49 tackles and 6 pass breakups. After allowing more than 50 yards in coverage in two of the first three games, he’s only done so once since.

Here’s a look at how every former Michigan player in the NFL performed in Week 10.

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

Racked up 20 catches for 158 yards, starting six of nine games for the 4-6 Bengals … Suffered a torn ACL Nov. 3 and will miss the remainder of the season.

AJ Barner (2023), TE, Seattle Seahawks

Had a bye over the weekend … Opened three of nine outings for the 4-5 Seahawks, registering 14 grabs for 132 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets … His 64.3 PFF run-blocking grade ranks 15th among NFL tight ends with 50-plus such snaps.

Ronnie Bell (2018-22), WR, San Francisco 49ers

Didn’t have any statistics in a 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Appeared in eight contests off the bench for the 5-4 49ers, hauling in 2 receptions for 22 yards.

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

Opened a 23-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers … Started all 10 outings at left guard for the 4-6 Buccaneers, generating a 55.1 overall PFF rating with 18 pressures and no sacks given up.

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

Had a bye … Tallied 38 tackles, including 1 for loss and 1 sack, and a pass breakup in nine appearances with five starts for the 2-7 Browns.

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

Had a bye … Notched 61 carries for 213 yards and 4 touchdowns and caught 25 passes for 189 yards and a score in nine games with a pair of starts for the 4-5 Seahawks.

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

Currently out with a hamstring injury, having missed the team’s last five contests … Activated from injured reserve Nov. 8, meaning he’s nearing a return … Started all five games in which he’s appeared for the 6-4 Texans, with 32 receptions for 567 yards and 3 touchdowns.

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

Exited a Nov. 3 game with an ankle injury and was placed on injured reserve, but head coach Jim Harbaugh said he’s expected to return at some point this season … Has 14 tackles and 1 pass breakup in six bench appearances on the season.

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

Rushed twice for 8 yards and caught 1 pass for 7 yards in a 23-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins … Registered 80 yards and 6 first downs on 23 rushes, and hauled in 3 receptions for 24 yards in nine appearances for the 4-5 Rams.

Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Missed over a month with a pectoral injury but returned over the weekend, making 2 tackles in a win over the Denver Broncos … Played in and started five games, totaling 16 tackles, 1 stop for loss, a half-sack and 3 quarterback hits.

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

Out for season (knee injury).

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

The former Michigan defensive end had a bye over the weekend … Started nine games for the 6-3 Packers, registering 24 tackles, 3 stops for loss, 2.5 sacks, 8 quarterback hits and a pass breakup … Totaled 1.5 sacks in a three-week span from Oct. 20 to Nov. 3, after not having 1 since Sept. 6.

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

Opened a 26-23 win over the Houston Texans … Started all nine clashes for the 8-1 Lions, one at center and eight at left guard … Registered a 59.5 overall PFF rating with 16 pressures and 2 sacks given up.

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

Notched 2 tackles, a half-sack and a quarterback hit in a 34-6 blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys … Posted 14 tackles, 2 stops for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, 1 pass breakup and 1 forced fumble in nine appearances with one start for the 7-2 Eagles … Per StatMuse, he’s the 16th-oldest player in the league this season.

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

The former Michigan EDGE posted 2 tackles, including 1 behind the line of scrimmage, in a 27-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers … Registered a career-high 2 tackles in two different games, part of his 9-tackles, 2-TFL rookie campaign in nine games off the bench for the 2-7 Titans.

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

Scored his first touchdown of the season in a win over his former team, the Tennessee Titans, Nov. 10 … Racked up 22 rushing yards, 1 touchdown and 6 first downs on 10 attempts in nine clashes for the 6-3 Chargers.

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

Suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 5, after totaling 25 tackles and 2 pass breakups as a starter at cornerback.

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

Had a bye … Recorded 6 tackles in eight games for the Browns, after being let go by the New Orleans Saints following one week.

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

Had a bye … Hasn’t played since Sept. 29 … Made three starts and saw action in four tilts this year.

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

Had a bye … Made 9 tackles, including 2 for loss and a half-sack, and 1 quarterback hit in two starts and five games.

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

Out indefinitely with a broken fibula and tibia suffered Oct. 13 at Dallas … He has 19 tackles, 7 stops for loss, 7.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and a forced fumble while opening five tilts.

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

The former Michigan defensive lineman had 2 tackles in a 35-34 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Thursday night … Notched his first career sack and posted a career-high 5 tackles, with another behind the line of scrimmage, in a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders Nov. 3 … Has 16 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack and 1 quarterback hit in eight games with two starts.

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

Yet to make his NFL debut.

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

Posted 4 tackles in a 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles … Started six of nine tilts for the 3-6 Cowboys, recording 3 pass breakups, a fumble recovery, 36 tackles and a stop for loss. 

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

Set to miss the entire season with a knee injury suffered in preseason.

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

Made a tackle in a 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals … The undrafted free agent has tallied 6 tackles in as many games for the 3-7 Jets.

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

Made his first tackle of the season in a 30-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills … Seen action in three contests, making his season debut Oct. 27 after dealing with injury, making 1 tackle.

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

The former Michigan safety registered 5 tackles, including 1 for loss, in a 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars … Started four of his nine appearances for the 7-2 Vikings, tallying 51 tackles, 2 stops for loss, 3 quarterback hits, 3 pass breakups and a forced fumble … Has 5 or more tackles in seven of eight games.

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

Hasn’t played in his rookie season.

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

Suffered a high-ankle sprain attempting to make a tackle on an Oct. 6 kickoff and finally returned Nov. 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making the game-winning field goal and going 3-of-6 on the day … Made 16 of his 20 field goal tries and all 14 of his extra points in six games.

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

Had a bye … Registered 5 tackles in eight games.

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

The former Michigan outside linebacker laid 1 hit on the quarterback in a 35-34 win over the Cincinnati Bengals … Recorded 5 tackles, 1 stop for loss, 1 sack and 4 quarterback hits in eight games off the bench for the 7-3 Ravens.

Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks

 Seen action off the bench in four contests, totaling 19 snaps.

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

Opened a 19-3 win over the Chicago Bears at right guard … Began the season as the 3-7 Patriots’ starting right tackle but has played the majority of his snaps at right guard since Week 5 … Opened all 10 games, generating a 65.4 overall PFF rating with 23 pressures and no sacks given up.

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

Had a sack for the second-straight game in a 30-20 setback to the Buffalo Bills, adding 1 tackle for loss, 3 total tackles and a quarterback hit … Posted 3.5 sacks, 20 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 7 quarterback hits while starting all eight games in which he’s appeared for the 4-6 Colts.

The Bills running their go-to run concept this year: mid zone weak out of a 3×1 with jet motion

Zaire Franklin (44) recognizes it & shoots the backside A gap on the snap + chucks his own man into the hole, while Kwity Paye defeats his man frontsidepic.twitter.com/5xBZwyzapu https://t.co/NtST3wNO8H

— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) November 11, 2024

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

Recorded 23 tackles and 2 pass breakups while starting four games before being charged with alleged assault, strangulation and drug possession and landing on the NFL’s commissioner’s exempt list … Franchise owner Robert Kraft said Peppers will be “gone” from the team if the allegations wind up true, but the team is waiting to confirm the facts.

Brad Robbins (2017-22), P, Cincinnati Bengals

On injured reserve with a leg injury he suffered in mid-August.

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

Waived by the Baltimore Ravens and picked up off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks Oct. 23 … That reunited him with head coach Mike Macdonald, who was the defensive coordinator during Ross’ final season at Michigan in 2021 … Played in two games for the Seahawks, seeing action exclusively on special teams, after making seven appearances with 3 tackles for the Ravens.

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

Opened a 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons … Started at right guard in six outings for the 3-7 Saints, missing some time with injury … Posted a 72.6 overall grade that ranks 18th among NFL guards (minimum 100 snaps) and allowed only 5 pressures (1 sack).

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

The former Michigan offensive lineman opened a 20-17 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers … Started all 10 games at left guard, recording a 58.5 overall PFF grade with 21 pressures and 1 sacks given up.

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

The national champion tallied 5 tackles and a pass breakup in a 28-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers … Started nine of 10 clashes for the 7-3 Commanders, posting 49 tackles, including 1 for loss, and 6 pass breakups … Allowed over 50 receiving yards in two of the first three games but has done so only once since then, per PFF.

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

Targeted once but didn’t have any catches in a 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles … Grabbed 8 receptions for 56 yards in nine appearances with two starts.

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

Tied his season high with 4 tackles — including posting his second TFL of the year — in a 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles … Started all nine clashes, registering 20 tackles.

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

Produced 5 tackles in a 28-27 setback to the Pittsburgh Steelers … Responsible for 47 tackles, 7 pass breakups and a forced fumble while opening all 10 tilts.

Ambry Thomas (2017-19), CB, San Francisco 49ers

On the injured reserve with a forearm injury that has held him out of every game so far.

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

The former Michigan cornerback had 3 tackles and a pass breakup in a 35-34 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Thursday night … Totaled 28 tackles, 1 stop for loss and 5 pass breakups in 10 outings with five starts … Took over as the starting cornerback once Hill went down with a season-ending injury.

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

Didn’t have any stats in a 16-14 victory over the Denver Broncos … Played seven games with the New England Patriots, making 13 tackles and 2 sacks, before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs … Seen action in two contests for the Chiefs, with 2 tackles.

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

Played 21 special teams snaps and 5 plays on offense in a 34-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys … Converted to a two-way player (linebacker and fullback) and actually started on offense Nov. 3, catching 1 pass for no gain … Played in nine games and has made 3 tackles.

Josh Wallace (2023), CB, Los Angeles Rams

The former UMass and Michigan cornerback totaled 18 special teams snaps in a 23-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins Monday night … Competed in nine tilts with two starts, recording 2 tackles and a pair of pass breakups.

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

Missed the beginning of the season with an ankle injury, appeared in two games with no stats but was placed on the injured reserve Oct. 28 (hamstring).

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

Had a bye … Started three of nine games, with most of his time coming on special teams.