Second Michigan star sneaks into first round of latest mock draft simulation

The Michigan Wolverines were the talk of the 2024 NFL Combine with an event-record 18 players at the event. Led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the week in Indianapolis solidified the idea that the NFL Draft could serve as a pseudo-infomercial for the program.

The draft is still several weeks out, set for April 25-27 in Detroit. Here is a look at where the Michigan prospects went in our latest simulation using Pro Football Focus’ updated mock draft machine.

11. Minnesota Vikings – QB J.J. McCarthy

McCarthy went out and did everything he could sans a 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He put on weight to bulk up to 219 pounds and had a mostly good day throwing the football. He is not without his faults, but he’s a pro-ready passer with experience in an offense similar to ones he’ll run at the next level. You can lock him in for a top-12 selection, it appears.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DB Mike Sainristil

The Michigan captain joins McCarthy as a first-rounder after out an outstanding combine performance. Sainristil is the best nickel in the draft, and some teams still think he can perform for them on the outside. But his film from this year are outstanding, and he feels like an immediate impact guy securing the middle of the field for a defense.

46. Indianapolis Colts – DT Kris Jenkins

While the stats are not eye-popping, many NFL evaluators love his versatility and athleticism, in addition to how he sets the table for others. He was another player who fared well in athletic testing, running a 4.91 40-yard dash and putting up 29 reps in the bench press.

50. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Roman Wilson

The star wide receiver could have run it back for one more season in Ann Arbor but elected to cash out and see what the NFL had to offer. Some scouts have compared him to Stefon Diggs coming out of Maryland, and if this selection paid off like that the team that selects him would be over the moon.

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB Junior Colson

Colson is a well-rounded, high-floor defender who passed on a senior season in Ann Arbor to take his talents to the NFL. He has a shot to sneak into the second round of the draft and be a steady starter at linebacker for years to come.

85. Houston Texans – RB Blake Corum

Corum can be a day-two selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. There were no workload concerns this year, and Michigan did a great job keeping him fresh coming off offseason knee surgery. Everything he does on film appeared during drills at the combine and he did a great job showing himself off in an event where they might look for every reason to knock you. The size is still a concern to some, but it shouldn’t be.

124. Houston Texans – WR Cornelius Johnson

Johnson was a pleasant surprise at the NFL Combine after running a 4.44 40-yard dash and performing well in other areas. The pre-draft process has been kind to him after a good week at the Shrine Bowl, and he might have some appeal to teams as a mid-round pass catcher.

141. Tennessee Titans – LB Michael Barrett

After six years, Barrett has finally exhausted his eligibility and feels like a lock to be a stalwart on someone’s special teams unit in the NFL. In an increasingly positionless NFL, he could certainly find a role as a subpackage defender and special teams ace.

150. Indianapolis Colts – G Zak Zinter

Zinter’s broken leg probably will not kill his draft stock as much as this simulation suggested it might, but recovery will certainly impact the process a bit. Before his injury, Zinter was considered a potential first/second-round prospect. He said at the combine that he is a month and a half away from being football-ready, so teams will have to lean on the tape as they evaluate his standing.

154. Los Angeles Rams – G Trevor Keegan

Keegan feels like a player who has terrific mid-round value after a good showing at the NFL Combine. At the very least, he feels like a great locker room addition and depth piece that has some experience playing tackle in college. However, he might have a chance to be a starter at the next level in the right situation.

155. Miami Dolphins – OT Ladarius Henderson

Henderson took some time to get going this season but saved some of his best football for last and solidified the left side of the offensive line. He could have been competing for a pro spot last year but decided to come to Michigan and win a national title. Henderson likely projects to playing guard in the NFL.

166. Minnesota Vikings – C Drake Nugent

While not quite as dominant as Olu Oluwatimi was, Nugent came into Michigan ready to roll and fortified the interior of the offensive line. He should have a chance to be drafted in the same range as his predecessor. In this scenario, he gets to reunite with his college quarterback in Minnesota.

167. New Orleans Saints – EDGE Braiden McGregor

There may still be some potential to unlock here, which could make him a worthy day-three look for NFL teams looking to add depth and competition to the pass rush. McGregor did not run through drills at the combine, meaning he might need to lean on a pro day performance to potentially improve his stock.

181. Washington Commanders – EDGE Jaylen Harrell

Harrell has a full toolkit and does a lot of things well and is one of the better athletes at the position in the class. He does not have one single trait to hang his hat on, and opted out a handful of drills at the combine. But he still could have some versatility and could play linebacker at the next level.

182. New England Patriots – TE AJ Barner

Barner might be one of the most underrated players on the Michigan roster and a reliable piece to the offense. Mid-round consideration is warranted for a guy who came in and showed off a well-rounded skill-set in a tight end-heavy offensive system.

203. Green Bay Packers – CB Josh Wallace

Michigan brought Wallace in to compete for the No. 2 cornerback job last year and not only did he win the job, but was one of the team’s unsung heroes. His pro day and putting a 40-yard dash on record might help him round into a draftable prospect.

212. Los Angeles Rams – OT Trente Jones

Jones was one of Michigan’s secret weapons on the offensive line as an athletic extra lineman who eventually filled in at right tackle down the stretch. His Rose Bowl tape caught the attention of a lot of scouts for the work he did against a talented Alabama pass rush.