Michigan OL Zak Zinter drafted by Cleveland Browns in third round of 2024 NFL Draft
Michigan Wolverines offensive guard Zak Zinter is off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft, going No. 85 overall in the third round to the Cleveland Browns.
Zinter, a captain this season, was named a unanimous All-American in 2023, Michigan’s first since Jake Long in 2007. He appeared in 45 games with 42 starts in his career, all at right guard. He also repped at center in practices early in his career at times, which could add some value to his new team as he transitions to the pros.
Zinter was a four-star recruit and the No. 294 player in the country in the 2020 class, per the On3 Industry Ranking.
Zinter’s draft stock was affected by a broken leg he suffered in the 30-24 win over Ohio State last November. He told the media during his pro day in March that he would be football-ready around draft time.
“I’ve had a hell of a career,” Zinter said. “I was having a hell of a last season. I ended up getting hurt toward the end of last season, and I think that put a lot of doubt in some media’s head, but I think there were a lot of misconceptions of what happened, if it was an ACL or ankle or whatnot. But it was just bone. They put a rod in there, and I’m just letting it heal up. It’s going to be stronger than it was before, so that’s not a huge concern for me. I feel like my game speaks for itself.
“Honestly, everyone’s asked about it, but it’s been quick,” Zinter said. “They see me moving around great, feeling good. We had some medical yesterday and finished up some medical today, but I’m going to be ready to roll in a month; I’ll be football ready. So, it’s not a huge concern with a lot of teams just seeing me move around really well.”
Zinter ranks No. 163 on Pro Football Focus’ big board entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
“Zinter is a powerful interior offensive lineman whose skill set and size fit perfectly with Michigan’s power running scheme,” his PFF profile reads. “He carries a lot of weight in his upper half, giving him good power to push people at contact and latch on to maintain blocks. Despite his lack of weight in the lower half, he anchors well. He is a below-average athlete when it comes to movement and flexibility. His size is his best attribute in pass protection, but he is also patient as a pass-blocker.”
The 2024 NFL Draft runs from April 25-27 from Campus Martius in Downtown Detroit, 45 minutes east of Ann Arbor.
