Can Wolverines Break an NFL Draft Record This Month?
The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and college football fans are eagerly awaiting to see which players from their favorite teams will make it to the next level. One record that is up for grabs this year is the most NFL Draft selections from a single program. Currently, that record is held by Georgia, who had 15 picks in 2022. But could Michigan break that record? According to head coach Jim Harbaugh, they certainly have a shot.
Last summer, Harbaugh made a bold prediction in an interview with The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman. He said, “I think we’ll have 20 guys picked (in the next NFL Draft). I bet we break that (draft) record.” At the time, this may have sounded crazy to some, but Harbaugh had faith in his team. The Wolverines went on to have an undefeated season and win the national title, proving that they had the star power to back up Harbaugh’s claim.
Now, as we approach the draft, it looks like Harbaugh’s prediction may not be too far off. Michigan had 18 players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine last month, just one shy of Georgia’s 2022 class. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has skyrocketed up draft boards and is projected to be a top-five pick. Other highly likely selections include offensive linemen Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter, running back Blake Corum, tight end AJ Barner, and wideouts Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson.
But can the Wolverines actually break the record? According to Bruce Feldman, there is a decent chance. While getting 20 picks seems like a stretch, Feldman believes that Michigan could have more than 15 players selected. McCarthy is expected to go in the top 10, and offensive lineman David Jenkins has a chance to go in the first round. After that, Wilson, linebacker Joshua Ross, and cornerback Gemon Green are projected to be gone by the middle of the second round.
In total, draft analyst Dane Brugler has 14 Wolverines projected to go in the draft. Four others have a shot at being selected, including offensive linemen Trente Jones, Karsen Barnhart, and Drake Nugent, as well as cornerback Josh Wallace. If just two of those four get picked, Harbaugh’s prediction will be proven right.
So, will the Wolverines break Georgia’s record? We’ll have to wait and see. But one thing is for sure, Michigan has a talented group of players who are ready to make their mark in the NFL.
Impact Freshman Watch
In other college football news, there are a few freshmen who have already shown promise during their spring games. Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman was the offensive MVP of the Tigers’ spring game, catching four passes for 92 yards and a score. Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown also impressed with a game-high eight tackles and one sack in the Orange and White spring game.
Quick Snaps
– Stewart Mandel gives us an update from spring practice at Alabama, where new coach Kalen DeBoer is building off Nick Saban’s legacy.
– Manny Navarro picks the best quarterbacks from Georgia’s all-state team, choosing between Cam Newton, Deshaun Watson, and Trevor Lawrence.
– Missouri secures a commitment from quarterback Matt Zollers, beating out Georgia, Penn State, and Pitt.
As we eagerly await the NFL Draft, it’s clear that the Wolverines have a chance to make history. Will they break Georgia’s record? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – Michigan has a talented group of players who are ready to take the next step in their football careers.