NFL Draft grades: Chargers earn As for drafting Michigan LB Junior Colson
Michigan Wolverines football linebacker Junior Colson reunited with head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter by being picked by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round, No. 69 overall.
Colson’s selection was received extremely well by draft graders. He’s a roundup of how they scored the pick.
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• Michigan linebacker Junior Colson goes to Los Angeles Chargers in the third round
Joseph Acosta, SB Nation: A+
“Colson was my top LB in the draft and a former Michigan Wolverine, so him going to Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter here is a steal,” Acosta wrote. “Colson is a big, versatile linebacker with an expanding game in pass coverage. He’s also good on simulated pressures and blitz packages. The Chargers are knocking this draft out of the park.”
Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: A
“Nobody knows Colson better than Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, and the linebacker fills a need on the field — and in the locker room,” the writers said. “An inspirational force for the national champs, Colson led the Wolverines in tackles each of the last two seasons. Physical and athletic, Colson (6-2, 238) will exude professionalism and garner instant respect.”
Yahoo Sports: A
“The Chargers really needed a linebacker in the draft and Jim Harbaugh went back to Michigan to find one,” the site wrote. “Colson is one of the better linebacker prospects in the draft and his athleticism should help him make plays early for the Chargers.”
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A
“Jim Harbaugh fills a big need for a speedy playmaking and rangy second-level cover man with a trusted player from his college program,” Iyer wrote.
Pro Football Network: A
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: A-
“Amid speculation he could grab running back Blake Corum, Jim Harbaugh instead makes Colson his first Michigan Man pick,” Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote. “Though he’s more steady than spectacular, the 6-2, 238-pounder can be a stabilizing presence for a defense that has long had trouble in the middle.”
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: B
“Ties to Jim Harbaugh and addresses a need at off-ball LB. Best tackling linebacker in the class by a wide margin,” Trapasso wrote. “Flashed some coverage chops in 2023 but not a speciality. I didn’t see premier range or speed to the football. Beats blocks with decent regularly and ball skills must show up more in NFL.”
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: B
“Jim Harbaugh couldn’t resist. He really shouldn’t have, either,” Sobleski wrote. “The Wolverines won a national championship for a reason. They have the most talented class entering the professional ranks this year.
“Harbaugh already knows Colson and understands how much of an impact he can make within his defensive scheme. His ability to work in space can immediately offset [linebacker] Denzel Perryman‘s penchant for primarily playing downhill.”
