Where Michigan players went in post-National Championship mock draft simulation

The Michigan Wolverines are national champions once again, closing out a season and a three-year run that will go down in the record books. That means the starter of a new chapter for a ton of key contributors on the roster as it pertains to the 2024 NFL Draft.

The guys will have until Jan. 15 to make their final draft decisions, but that did not stop us from projecting where they might have a chance to go. Here is a look at where the Michigan prospects went in our latest simulation using Pro Football Focus’ updated mock draft machine.

RELATED: Michigan football: Roman Wilson, 6 others accept Senior Bowl invites

*= denotes underclassmen

44. Las Vegas Raiders – QB J.J. McCarthy*

J.J. McCarthy has been a complicated evaluation for some that has first-round upside, but the PFF simulation sends him to the Raiders. Could it be a reunion with a head coach Jim Harbaugh? It would not be a surprise to see them reunite in 2024, whether it be at Michigan or otherwise.

51. Green Bay Packers – DL Kris Jenkins

The Michigan captain could get the designation of being the first player off the board from Ann Arbor. While the stats are not eye-popping, many NFL evaluators love his versatility and athleticism, in addition to how he sets the table for others.

59. Cleveland Browns – S Rod Moore*

Moore did not have the regular season that was envisioned for him but made the play of the season with a game-sealing pick against Ohio State and a great showing in the College Football Playoff. This simulation sees him sliding a bit into the third round, but a healthy return for a senior season could be helpful for his stock in 2025.

89. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Roman Wilson

Wilson could technically return for a fifth season in 2024, but has accepted a Senior Bowl invite and indications are that he is going to give the NFL a try next season. The Chiefs have a wide receiver problem, and Wilson would be a candidate for early playing time and have a shot to be a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes.

91. Detroit Lions – RB Blake Corum

Corum has a chance to be a day-two selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. There were no workload concerns this year, and Michigan did a great job keeping him fresh coming off offseason knee surgery. The Lions have a loaded backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, but a run-first offense creates plenty of opportunity.

101. Carolina Panthers – RB Donovan Edwards*

The Michigan junior has a decision to make about his future after a season that did not feature the production that was expected from him. But Edwards has a much higher upside than the fourth round of the draft. He could be the lead dog at U-M next year if he decides to run it back.

105. Los Angeles Chargers – CB Mike Sainristil

Of all the Michigan players on this list, Sainristil feels like the one with the best chance of rising once scouts catch up to his 2023 tape. He simply makes plays whenever the situation demands it and has been a natural at the nickel spot since making the switch before last season.

118. Seattle Seahawks – G Zak Zinter

Zinter’s broken leg probably will not kill his draft stock as much as this simulation suggested it might, but recovery will certainly impact the process a bit. Before his injury, Zinter was considered a potential first/second-round prospect. We will have to wait and see if he can reclaim some of that.

137. Philadelphia Eagles – TE AJ Barner

Barner might be one of the most underrated players on the Michigan roster and a reliable piece to the offense. Mid-round consideration is warranted for a guy who came in and showed off a well-rounded skill-set in a tight end-heavy offensive system.

139. New England Patriots – LB Junior Colson*

Michigan’s defense has set itself up to weather any potential attrition at linebacker, but having Colson back in 2024 would be massive. But he is a well-rounded, high-floor defender who might be ready to try things out at the next level. One would think he would be in consideration for a captain spot next year.

143. New York Giants – C Drake Nugent

While not quite as dominant as Olu Oluwatimi was, Nugent came into Michigan ready to roll and fortified the interior of the offensive line. He should have a chance to be drafted in the same range as his predecessor.

169. Baltimore Ravens – EDGE Jaylen Harrell

Harrell might not have the same pass-rush upside as some of his peers in the class if he decides to forgo a final season in Ann Arbor, but he has a full toolkit and does a lot of things well. We think he would have a shot to rise, too.

178. Philadelphia Eagles – OT LaDarius Henderson

Henderson took some time to get going this season but saved some of his best football for last and solidified the left side of the offensive line. He could have been competing for a pro spot last year but decided to come to Michigan and win a national title.

181. Washington Commanders – LB Michael Barrett

After six years, Barrett has finally exhausted his eligibility and feels like a lock to be a stalwart on someone’s special teams unit in the NFL. In an increasingly positionless NFL, he could certainly find a role as a subpackage defender.