Where Michigan football draft prospects rank after the Orange Bowl
Michigan football’s season came to a bitter end in the Orange Bowl, but it did not do much to harm the pro talent’s stock. Five Wolverines appeared in the latest mock draft simulation we ran on The Draft Network.
• Aidan Hutchinson holds firm at No. 1 in latest PFF mock draft
• Michigan football pass rusher David Ojabo declares for 2022 NFL Draft
Here is a rundown of Michigan’s NFL talent in our latest seven-round 2022 simulation.
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE (No. 1 overall, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Hutchinson’s lack of production in the College Football Playoff did not hurt his pro stock upon further review. Credit is being given to Georgia for how their game plan took him out of the contest. He still has plenty of film this season to suggest he is worthy of a top-five selection. Most believe that he will come off the board to either the Jaguars or Detroit Lions, as both have locked up a top-two pick in April’s draft.
David Ojabo, EDGE (No. 14 overall, Philadelphia Eagles)
Ojabo’s performance against the Bulldogs was a little more eye-opening than his pass-rush counterpart. He did not record a stat in the game and was also a limited presence in the Big Ten Championship game against Iowa. He is raw and has a lot of work to do in becoming an every-down player, but the tools and production from this season still make him a more than worthy first-round prospect. It is hard to project his stock going much higher so the decision to declare was not surprising.
Daxton Hill, safety (No. 33 overall, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Hill finds himself on the edge of the first round here, which makes his impending decision intriguing. He would be another early-entrant and given the league’s view of safeties, he may have a tough time grading out much higher than this if he returned. Hill played a variety of roles at Michigan in his first three years and the ability to play deep safety or in the nickel will be intriguing to NFL teams.
Andrew Stueber, offensive tackle (No. 111 overall, Washington Football Team)
The Michigan tackle was part of an offensive line that had its roughest showing of the year in the Orange Bowl. Like Hutchinson, though, Stueber will be the beneficiary of what he put on tape all season. He will also have a week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile to sell himself to NFL franchises. Stueber probably kicks inside to guard at the next level, but the ability to play both spots will be valuable for his draft stock.
Hassan Haskins, running back (No. 132 overall, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Michigan football fans would love this fit if Haskins gets to take handoffs from Tom Brady. He is as rock-solid of a running back prospect as it gets. The one knock against him might be breakaway speed, but what he lacks there he makes up for in power, pass protection and the ability to be a factor on special teams. He will be at the Senior Bowl with Stueber in February.
Other pertinent Michigan football draft tidbits
Linebacker Josh Ross and safety Brad Hawkins could get looks as undrafted free agents, but neither received a Senior Bowl invite and will face an uphill battle. NFL teams will expand their rosters to 90 in the preseason, so there could be opportunities to be in a camp somewhere.
The deadline to declare early for the 2022 NFL Draft is Jan. 17. A decision from Hill should wind up being the one big remaining piece to be sorted out.
