The NFL draft will include many players from Michigan, maybe breaking the record established by the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs.
J.J. McCarthy is projected to be among the first players from Michigan’s national championship squad picked.
The Wolverines had a record-breaking 18 players at the combine, giving them the opportunity to create a new record for the most prospects selected from a single school in an NFL draft.
“We have a shot because we have some great players on the team — and we won the Natty,” said running back Blake Corum. “We could break the record.”
Georgia’s 2022 national championship team established the benchmark by selecting 15 players in the 2023 draft, including five in the first round.
McCarthy may be Michigan’s lone player selected in the top 32, but he’s likely to be among the top five picks if teams get to know him off the field.
“This process is so unique,” McCarthy explained. “They put you through so many different loops and hoops.” Several of McCarthy’s colleagues are expected to be selected in the second or third round, with others following in subsequent rounds.
Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, linebacker Junior Colson, defensive back Mike Sainristil, receiver Roman Wilson, and Corum might be selected in the second round.
Offensive lineman Zak Zinter and defensive end Braiden McGregor may be selected in the fourth or fifth round. Jaylen Harrell, Cornelius Johnson, Michael Barrett, AJ Barner, Trevor Keegan, and LaDarius Henderson could all be selected in the sixth or seventh round.
“It just goes to show how many dogs we got on this team, and how many people are willing to play the role and humble themselves,” Mr. Jenkins said. “It’s special.” McCarthy is ranked eighth in the Associated Press’s mock draft, and The Athletic’s seven-round mock draft includes 14 Michigan players.
If these players are selected, along with All-Big Ten center and Rimington Trophy finalist Drake Nugent, the Wolverines will equal the Bulldogs’ record.
And if at least one of the three other players invited to the combine — offensive lineman Trente Jones and Karsen Barnhart, as well as defensive back Josh Wallace — is drafted, Michigan will establish a new standard.
“Walking around, you couldn’t go anywhere in Indianapolis without seeing a bunch of Michigan guys — or now that coach (Jim) Harbaugh is in the NFL — or coaches,” Nugent went on to say.
“It’s something to appreciate on top of the incredible season we had.” Three of Michigan’s prospects had fathers who competed in the league.
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