Former Michigan Wolverines will pepper draft boards this week.
Though Michigan won't have a top-10 pick and isn't even guaranteed a first-round selection, they could top Ohio State's 12 drafted players from 2016 and even break the Buckeyes' record of 14 draftees from 2004.
As many as 18 Michigan players could be selected — or more than 20 percent of their scholarship players from 2016. But that's like saying Michigan fans might despise Ohio State fans. Barring Jim Harbaugh's answered prayer for divine intervention from Pope Francis during his visit to the Vatican this week, it's highly unlikely 18 Wolverines will be taken in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Still, it's a remarkably high number and large enough group that should ensure they lead college football in most 2017 draftees.
| Player | Pos. | Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Taco Charlton | DE | 1st-2nd Round |
| Jabrill Peppers | DB | 1st-2nd-Round |
| Jourdan Lewis | CB | 2nd-3rd Round |
| Chris Wormley | DT | 2nd-3rd Round |
| Jake Butt | TE | 3rd-4th Round |
| Ryan Glasgow | DT | 4th-5th Round |
| Amara Darboh | WR | 4th-5th Round |
| Jehu Chesson | WR | 4th-6th Round |
| Ben Gedeon | LB | 4th-6th Round |
| Ben Braden | G | 5th-7th Round |
| Delano Hill | S | 5th-7th Round |
| De'Veon Smith | RB | 6th Round-Undrafted |
| Matthew Godin | DT | 6th Round-Undrafted |
| Erik Magnuson | OT | 6th Round-Undrafted |
| Channing Stribling | CB | 7th Round-Undrafted |
| Kyle Kalis | G | 7th Round-Undrafted |
| Jeremy Clark | CB | 7th Round-Undrafted |
| Dymonte Thomas | S | 7th Round-Undrafted |
"I don't think [draft volume will] impact recruiting that much, to be honest, as Michigan is recruiting at a high level already," says Josh Henschke, a Michigan reporter for Scout. "If anything, it gives the coaching staff some ammunition and proof to recruits that their coaching style works and will get you drafted. Having NFL coaching experience is one thing but having actual results of putting kids into the league is another."
In the two drafts since Harbaugh arrived in late 2014, Michigan has had six players drafted, though the third-year head coach deserves minimal credit, if any, for the three in 2015 — Devin Funchess, Frank Clark and Jake Ryan. It's anyone's guess if those in 2016's draft group (Graham Glasgow, Willie Henry and Jake Rudock) would've been selected at their respective slots, higher or lower with or without Harbaugh's staff.
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"As far as the future goes, Michigan's senior class was very rare and different, that's a lot of game experience that the Wolverines are losing to the next level that they have to replace," added Henschke, referencing the more than dozen players with mid- to late-round grades vs. zero sure-fire first-round prospects. "However, if the coaching staff continues to recruit like it has been the last two cycles, then it's almost inevitable that they're going to produce top-tier and middle-to-late round talent."
Ohio State will once again get the better of Michigan in the first round, with cornerback Marshon Lattimore and safety Malik Hooker both likely to be drafted in the top 10. However, after the Buckeyes' dwarfed the Wolverines last year (12 picks to three), Michigan will return the favor.
