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Michigan LB Junior Colson declares for the 2024 NFL Draft

Anthony Broomeby: Anthony Broome01/11/24anthonytbroome
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(Photo by TheWolverine.com)

The Michigan Wolverines will be losing one of their better players on defense with linebacker Junior Colson declaring for this spring’s 2024 NFL Draft, he told ESPN on Thursday afternoon. Colson had one season of eligibility remaining and entered after a strong junior season in Ann Arbor.

A defensive stalwart, Colson started every game this season and had 95 total tackles. Over the course of his career, he had 256 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and five passes defended.

Coming out of Brentwood, Tennessee in the 2021 class, Colson was a four-star recruit and the No. 91 overall player in the country per the On3 Industry Ranking. He made an impact immediately in Ann Arbor, appearing in all 14 games with seven starts at linebacker while also contributing on special teams. He finished fourth on the team with 61 tackles.

Colson stepped into a larger role in 2022, starting all 14 games and leading the squad with 101 tackles, including six tackles for loss and two sacks. He leaves Michigan as a national champion and a two-time All-Big Ten selection (second team, coaches, 2022-23; second team, media, 2023; third team, media, 2022)

Michigan is set up for success at linebacker next season with Ernest Hausmann stepping into a larger role as a junior and incoming transfer Jaishawn Barham, who was a standout in two years at Maryland. But things will look very different now without Colson and Michael Barrett, whose eligibiltiy has lapsed and is on to the Senior Bowl.

Here’s what Bleacher Report said about Colson as a draft prospect:

Colson’s movement skills, combined with his instincts and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, help him tighten throwing windows when playing zone coverage. He also has the speed to be an effective Tampa 2 dropper or ROBOT and get to his landmark against play action.

Against the run, Colson will occasionally be able to use his change of direction and quickness to make offensive linemen miss in space. His speed can be effective when coming downhill, but his angles are a little shallow versus outside runs, limiting his range a bit.

The Michigan product’s biggest issue as a run defender is his instincts. Especially versus zone runs, he often looks like he’s guessing or is hesitant and doesn’t put himself in a good position to make plays. He does have plenty of physical traits to grow in this area, though, and he is a sure tackler who rarely misses.

Schematically, Colson could be a good “Sam” linebacker on even fronts with his ability to man up against tight ends. If he cleans up his run-defense/instincts, he’ll blossom into a quality starting NFL linebacker.

The 2024 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 from Detroit, Michigan – 45 minutes East of Ann Arbor. Michigan is expected to send a heavy dose of talent to the next level with the deadline for underclassmen to declare set for Jan. 15.

This story is developing.

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