Michigan Football: 3 Findings from the NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL draft was the most momentous event ever for the reigning national champions and the city of Detroit.

What a three-day celebration for the national champs. (I’ll never grow weary of saying or typing that). On night one, J.J. McCarthy became the highest-rated quarterback pick since Chad Henne. Then, on Friday, it was a Wolverine-palooza, with six Michigan football players drafted and team 144 crowned college football’s champion. Rich Eisen and the rest of us were in our glory. Finally, during Saturday’s marathon coverage, a program record was established for future generations.

Here are three of the takeaways from the draft.

1. Jim Harbaugh only recruited two of his players to join him in LA

One of the most talked-about questions leading up to the event was how many Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh would bring with him to Los Angeles. He ended up recruiting as many Michigan football players as Notre Dame Fighting Irishmen in the process. A Michigan native became the third pick of the Jim Harbaugh era in Los Angeles.

Harbaugh chose Ladd McConkey over Roman Wilson, and Kimani Vidal over Blake Corum. Junior Colson is in line to start. After Kenneth Murray left in free agency, Colson has a chance to be an under-the-radar defensive rookie of the year candidate, with a familiar face as his defensive coordinator.

Adam Schefter believes that Karsen Barnhart will also sign as a free agent in Los Angeles. His versatility and knowledge of the plan will benefit the Chargers. He has a chance to make the top four in the rotation at either guard or tackle. This is a victory for both parties.

2. Multiple Wolverines go in succession on day two

On Friday night, the dominoes started falling when Kris Jenkins fell. He’s heading to Cincinnati to contend with Joe Burrow and company in the tough AFC North. Jenkins has an opportunity to start right away following the departure of D.J. Reader to Detroit. He’ll also be reunited with former teammates D.J. Turner and Dax Hill at Ann Arbor.

Mikey Sainristil followed at 50 to Washington and is expected to compete for a starting position as their primary nickel. He’ll be joined by other Big Ten alums Jer’Zhan Newton, Benjamin St-Juste, who briefly played for the Wolverines, Terry McLaurin, and Jahan Dotson. Nick Saban gushed about his enormous potential.

Then, in the third round, three Michigan football players went one after another. The renowned Blake Corum finished eighty-third overall in Los Angeles. One draft later, Roman Wilson was selected by Pittsburgh, a run-heavy squad. Finally, Zak Zinter completed the run by traveling to Cleveland to learn from one of the finest in the business, Joel Bitonio, and heal up until he is fully ready to go.

3. 13 Wolverines were drafted altogether

From J.J. McCarthy to Cornelius Johnson, a baker’s dozen Wolverines were taken in their backyard over three days. They did not set the draft record, which is still held by Georgia. They came two short of tying the record. Some of the other eligible draftees have already signed as undrafted free agents, bringing the total to 18 Wolverines heading to the NFL.

Turning the page to next year, Michigan football could have two first-round picks on offense and potentially more on defense. Will Johnson is perhaps the highest-ranked Wolverine on most lists today. When the occasion arises, he will present a plethora of expert analogies to Charles Woodson.

Full Michigan Football draft results:

JJ McCarthy – Vikings – R1 Pick 10
Kris Jenkins – Bengals – R2 Pick 49
Mike Sainristil – Commanders – R2 Pick 50
Junior Colson – Chargers – R3 Pick 69
Blake Corum – Rams – R3 Pick 83
Roman Wilson – Steelers R3 Pick 84
Zak Zinter – Browns -…

— JJ McCarthy Fan (@JJOneOfOne) April 28, 2024

Now that spring practice and the draft have concluded, the focus can shift to the transfer portal. Amorion Walker is anticipated to return from his brief spell in Mississippi. They don’t appear to be looking for a quarterback and are more at ease than individuals who don’t have the inside scoop from being around that group on a daily basis.