Two weeks out: Where Michigan football prospects went in mock draft simulation

The Michigan Wolverines haul of players in the 2024 NFL Draft is headlined by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who seems increasingly likely to be selected as high as the top-5. He and his national title-winning teammates could set a record in this event, breaking Georgia’s 15 draft selections in 2022.

The draft is still two weeks out, set for April 25-27 in Detroit. Here is a look at where the Michigan prospects went in our latest simulation using Pro Football Focus’ updated mock draft machine.

Minnesota Vikings (No. 11 overall) – QB J.J. McCarthy

This is the team most linked to McCarthy, and the Vikings have even secured an extra first-round pick at No. 23 overall in the event they need to move up to select their signal-caller. Joining forces with one of the best offensive coaches in the NFL, along with a pair of star receivers in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison makes this easily the most appealing fit.

Los Angeles Rams (No. 52 overall) – WR Roman Wilson

Sliding into a system with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp at wide receiver could open up a world of possibilities for Wilson as a slot receiver that has the ability to hit defenses over the top. Adding another weapon around Matthew Stafford could have Wilson and his new team potentially in the playoff hunt again next year.

Cleveland Browns (No. 54 overall) – DB Mike Sainristil

The Michigan captain joins McCarthy as a first-rounder after out an outstanding combine performance. Sainristil is the best nickel in the draft, and some teams still think he can perform for them on the outside. But his film from this year is outstanding, and he feels like an immediate impact guy even on one of the best defenses in football.

San Francisco 49ers (No. 63 overall) – DT Kris Jenkins

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. He fared well in athletic testing, running a 4.91 40-yard dash and putting up 29 reps in the bench press at the NFL Combine last month.

Atlanta Falcons (No. 74 overall) – RB Blake Corum

Corum can 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. Throw in the fact that he has dropped some weight and has worked out of the slot for teams this offseason and we might be looking at a guy who can a little closer resemble who he was as a freshman at Michigan.

Chicago Bears (No. 75 overall) – LB Junior Colson

Colson is a well-rounded, high-floor defender who passed on a senior season in Ann Arbor to take his talents to the NFL. He has a shot to sneak into the second round of the draft and be a steady starter at linebacker for years to come.

Baltimore Ravens (No. 113 overall) – G Trevor Keegan

Keegan feels like a player who has terrific mid-round value after a good showing at the NFL Combine. At the very least, he feels like a great locker room addition and depth piece that has some experience playing tackle in college. However, he might have a chance to be a starter at the next level in the right situation. It is a little surprising to see him go above Zinter in the simulation, but it has little bearing on if that might actually happen in a few weeks.

New York Jets (No. 134 overall) – WR Cornelius Johnson

Johnson was a pleasant surprise at the NFL Combine after running a 4.44 40-yard dash and performing well in other areas. The pre-draft process has been kind to him after a good week at the Shrine Bowl, and he might have some appeal to teams as a mid-round pass catcher.

Los Angeles Rams (No. 155 overall) – 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 and special teams ace.

Minnesota Vikings (No. 157 overall) – 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. He should be football-ready shortly after the draft.

Baltimore Ravens (No. 165 overall) – 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. Henderson likely projects to playing guard in the NFL.

New Orleans Saints (No. 170 overall) – EDGE Braiden McGregor

There may still be some potential to unlock here, which could make him a worthy day-three look for NFL teams looking to add depth and competition to the pass rush. He has been dealing with an ankle injury during the pre-draft process

New Orleans Saints (No. 175 overall) – EDGE Jaylen Harrell

An interesting development here with two Michigan EDGE guys going to the same team within the span of a few picks. Harrell has a full toolkit and does a lot of things well and is one of the better athletes at the position in the class. He does not have one single trait to hang his hat on, but he still could have some versatility and could play linebacker at the next level.

Los Angeles Chargers (No. 181 overall) – 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. Jim Harbaugh finally gets a Wolverine!

Houston Texans (No. 189 overall) – 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.

Los Angeles Rams (No. 213 overall) – CB Josh Wallace

Michigan brought Wallace in to compete for the No. 2 cornerback job last year and not only did he win the job, but was one of the team’s unsung heroes.

Green Bay Packers (No. 219 overall) – OT Trente Jones

Jones was one of Michigan’s secret weapons on the offensive line as an athletic extra lineman who eventually filled in at right tackle down the stretch. His Rose Bowl tape caught the attention of a lot of scouts for the work he did against a talented Alabama pass rush.