With so many draftees in the 2024 NFL draft, it’s impossible to select just a few who could have long-term careers.
With the draft looming and only hours away, it’s impossible to predict how long a prospect will remain in the NFL at any one time. They will face injuries, mental health concerns, the aging process, financial problems, trade demands, and much more. While there is no timetable for how long their careers will go and it all depends on where they land, here are three names who could spend a long time at the sport’s highest level after leaving Michigan football in historic way.
1. Zak Zinter
On Sunday, Zinter posted a video in which he discussed his recovery from the accident. He appears fit for a :30 second video. Zinter is deserving of being the first guard off the board on day two, but that may not be the case due to injury worries among decision makers. To his credit, Zinter has been tutored by the best offensive line coach in the league, who would most likely join him in the NFL if he weren’t the current head coach.
SMASH
No offensive line in the country has had as much success as this group and they will continue to pave the way to success in the NFL!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/IESONgAEpy
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) April 23, 2024
Many teams may benefit from having a player like Zinter who can start right away if he is cleared. Being a four-year starter does not hurt his resume. Lance Zierlein of nfl.com compares him to former Wolverine Graham Glasgow, who has built a successful career for himself since leaving Ann Arbor. Zak might have a career similar to Steve Hutchinson, the last Michigan football player to win a national championship.
2. Mike Sainristil
Sainristil’s ability in playing any corner position will benefit his career. The concerns about his size are unfounded, because Mikey plays bigger than his 5’9″ body. He has the potential to be a late first-round choice simply based on his performance and leadership. Sainristil is more popular among pro football fans than others, and he should be considered the best nickel option available.
His accomplishments speak for themselves. Sainristil possesses everything that a coach want. He will immediately reinforce a secondary the moment he is selected. Bucky Brooks, a draft analyst, agrees and sings his praises. Mike is the perfect example of a candidate who is neglected but ultimately succeeds.
Captain. National Champion. Legend.
We know you're going to do great things in the NFL @MikeSainristil!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/ECIzZRGRuw
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) April 22, 2024
Sainristil and the coaching staff made the best option possible when they switched from offensive to defense. His primary position is currently required by every NFL franchise, making him a top priority. Whoever replaces him in the starting lineup will have to fill legendary shoes.
3. Roman Wilson
Wilson can be a slot expert in the professionals. He has the pedigree to play outside, too. The Jim Harbaugh endorsement doesn’t harm his stock either. Wilson may end up in Los Angeles with him after the Chargers released Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen to Chicago. He’s an instant starter wherever he goes.
Shifting from number 14 to number one in Ann Arbor might be perilous, but Wilson didn’t let the buzz deter him. He outperformed expectations with 12 touchdowns and leaves a championship legacy behind him. The grab he had at Nebraska exemplifies how persistent he was while donning the maize and blue. It will be remembered alongside Woodson’s interception in 1997.
Roman’s numbers were never as impressive as Marvin Harrison Jr.’s, and he doesn’t have a Hall of Fame father to learn from. He worked harder than most to get to this point, and it will pay off again, most likely on night two of the draft. His 4.39 speed will have no negative impact on his cause.
All three of these guys, as well as the large number of Michigan football players who will be drafted this weekend, share a common theme: hard work and desire. It all starts with Coach Harbaugh and the values he instills in these players for the school he loves. If you’re a Wolverine fan, cherish this moment in time since it won’t continue forever and we don’t know when it will happen again.
