Michigan football: Where NFL-bound Wolverines went in latest mock draft sim

The 2023 NFL Draft is two weeks away and teams are busy finalizing their boards heading into the event. Michigan football will have plenty of guys in the mix to be selected over the three-day event

The biggest question right now revolves around who will be selected as the highest. It seems like a two-horse race between defensive tackle Mazi Smith and cornerback DJ Turner. Both have some first-round buzz attached to their names. It ultimately comes down to fit and preference, but both seem like near-locks to come off the board before the second night of the draft is over.

With that in mind, here is a look at where the Michigan prospects went in our latest simulation using Pro Football Focus’ updated mock draft machine.

28. Cincinnati Bengals – Mazi Smith, defensive tackle (First Round)

Everyone was ready to grab their popcorn to see what Mazi Smith would do at the NFL Combine. Ultimately, the former Bruce Feldman Freaks List headliner opted out of most events while rehabbing a hamstring injury. Smith participated in the bench press and led all players at the combine with 34 reps of 225 pounds. He did some work at Michigan’s pro day, but his pre-draft process has been headlined by answering team’s questions about his gun arrest last fall. His stock has not fallen, and he has a shot to go in the first round of the draft.

59. Buffalo Bills – DJ Turner, cornerback (Second Round)

DJ Turner may have improved his stock the most of anyone at the combine. The former Michigan corner ran a 4.26 40-yard dash, tied for the 4th best in the history of the event and tops in this year’s running. Teams love his prowess in coverage and now have a few more data points to suggest he could be one of the best available players in the cornerback class. There are still questions about his tackling and ability to create turnovers. There is still some buzz he might sneak into the first round.

121. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mike Morris, EDGE (Fourth Round)

The pre-draft process has not been all that kind to Mike Morris from a testing perspective, but he still has a chance to be a solid depth piece at the next level. NFL teams will likely get a player that holds down the fort in a defensive line rotation, but his svelte appearance in Indy does not look like it will get him drafted before day three.

139. Denver Broncos – Olu Oluwatimi, center (Fifth Round)

This seems a bit low for arguably the best center in the country, right? Coming into the draft, Olu Oluwatimi was seen as a day-three prospect that has plug-and-play potential. Despite his college accolades and experience, his standing is not all that unexpected by the draft gurus.

“Part of that is just, we have a pretty good interior group,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said during the NFL Combine. “We have four, five plug-and-play guys as centers this year. So just the sheer numbers of it, when you look at historically, only a handful usually get drafted. So I think that’s what’s pushing these guys out a little bit.”

142. Cleveland Browns – Luke Schoonmaker, tight end (Fifth Round)

There are questions about Luke Schoonmaker‘s blocking ability and lack of consistent production at Michigan, but his performance in Indianapolis and at pro day has a lot of scouts going back and revisiting his film. He has solidified himself as one of the top sleepers at tight end in a potentially historically talented year at the position.

174. Las Vegas Raiders – Ryan Hayes, offensive tackle (Sixth Round)

Ryan Hayes‘ status as an NFL prospect is very similar to how people talked about Andrew Stueber last offseason. Hayes does a lot of things well but does not have one trait that stands out to hang his hat on. He is a superior athlete to Stueber, but arm length has NFL scouts thinking that a move inside to guard could be possible. Another concern listed is his ability to hold up against power rushers.

228. Tennessee Titans – Ronnie Bell, wide receiver (Seventh Round)

Ronnie Bell looks like a solid day-three receiver that could provide special teams value as a returner. It would not be a surprise at all to see him continue to have a productive career at the next level given that he does the little things well and is a reliable locker-room presence. Bell carries himself like a professional and could make an active roster this fall.

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.