John Harbaugh praises Michigan for quick rookie NFL transitions
Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh once referred to his program’s aspirations to operate as “the NFL’s 33rd team.”
It shows up in the way the Wolverines prepare and handle their business in Schembechler Hall.
The benefits of that extend beyond that happens on fall Saturdays. It also helps Michigan players prepare for the adjustment to the NFL. The Wolverines just sent another healthy helping of players to the pro level. That preparation shows up in the draft process.
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh put his brother’s program in company with another college football power. This comes after the Ravens selected Michigan EDGE David Ojabo with the 45th overall pick in 2022.
“There are certain college football programs that are built like NFL programs,” Harbaugh said, via Pro Football Talk. “Alabama is one, Michigan is the other one. The two top ones, I would say. Those are the ones I’m thinking of off the top of my head. So those guys generally come in and they know what to expect. It’s a little flatter for those guys in terms of practice and understanding how it works.”
Michigan had three players players drafted this year in the first two rounds in EDGE defenders Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Lions, No. 2 overall) and Ojabo, defensive back Daxton Hill (Cincinnati Bengals, No. 31 overall). Running back Hassan Haskins (fourth round) and offensive tackle Andrew Stueber (seventh round) were selected by the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots, respectively.
Michigan’s David Ojabo reacts to Baltimore’s selection
Ojabo tore his Achilles at Michigan’s pro day, but still fell to an advantageous spot for him. He is renuited with defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who overhauled the defense in 2021 before returning to Baltimore.
“That’s just how I know that it’s all part of the plan,” Ojabo said after he was selected. What are the odds that the person who comes in and gives me a chance to play [at Michigan] ultimately is the guy I’m following to the next level as well? I just know that it’s all written, man. It’s meant to be.”
As far as if Ojabo will play at all during this season, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta says they will trust the doctors to make a decision on the former Michigan star.
“We rely on our doctors and trainers,” said after the draft. “They haven’t seen him since the re-checks and all of those things in [Indianapolis at the NFL Combine], but they’re optimistic that at some point this year, he’ll have a chance to play. We’ve had multiple Achilles injuries over the years, and some guys … In fact, we were talking about one of the Legends, Terrell Suggs, who tore his Achilles in May, and I believe he came back in late October.
“And then, I should mention myself, I tore my Achilles when I was 40 years old, and I was running in three and a half months during the lockout. So, we’ve had multiple guys that have done it and have come back with very, very good, predictable results. For us, there might be a delay, but we think he’s going to come back with a vengeance and play outstanding football.”
