Michigan football NFL Draft projections: Predicting landing spots for Wolverines in the NFL

After an unforgettable football season that included a 2024 CFP championship, Michigan football is flying high. Many of the top Wolverines are about to make the leap to the NFL. It's certainly not surprising that the national champion will have a big handprint on the ensuing NFL Draft. Many of the marquee players who led Michigan to glory are highly-regarded pro prospects. Here's UM's Draft rundown.

Michigan Draft prospects and projections

#1 JJ McCarthy, QB

Projection: Round 1, Pick 9, Raiders (via trade)

McCarthy had a pair of fine seasons as Michigan's starting QB. He passed for 6,226 yards at UM, throwing for 49 touchdowns against just 11 total interceptions. McCarthy also rushed for 632 yards and 10 more scores on the ground. Of course, his steady QB play led Michigan to the CFP title.

Michigan National Championship Celebration

McCarthy was still a fairly mediocre NFL QB prospect until his great work at the NFL Combine opened some doors.

McCarthy is projected as high as the fourth pick. He's likely to be picked up by a team that trades up for the pick and the Raiders seem like a plausible team to be the one picking him.

#2 Kris Jenkins, DT

Projection: Round 2, Pick 37, Chargers

After a pair of solid seasons in the last two years, Jenkins has shot up Draft boards. At 300 pounds, he's still mobile enough to get into backfields but stout enough to clog up interior lanes.

NFL Combine

The Chargers can use a solid all-down interior defensive lineman and Jenkins fits the bill. He's projected from early to late in the 2nd round, but there aren't many prospects available at his size and strength. Coach Harbaugh can certainly put in a good word for Jenkins.

#3 Mike Sainristil, CB

Projection: Round 2, Pick 42, Texans

A three-year-old receiver who switched to defensive back, Sainristil, blew up in 2023. He intercepted six passes last year, including a pair of pick-sixes. Sainristil broke up six more passes and managed four tackles for loss. He's an excellent pickup for a team looking for highly talented receivers.

NFL Combine

The Texans probably have the best one, but Jacksonville, Tennessee and Indianapolis all have excellent young quarterbacks. Sainristill would be a nice pickup for Houston.

#4 Junior Colson, LB

Projection: Round 2, PIck 50, Eagles

Colson, who hails originally from Haiti and is still fairly new to football, has had a brilliant three seasons at Michigan. With 257 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss, Colson is an excellent tackler. Despite his relative lack of experience, he's a very intelligent linebacker.

NFL Combine

The Eagles love defensive talent and Colson is just too good to let go. His combination of high motor skills and leadership skills seems like a perfect fit in Philly.

#5 Roman Wilson, WR

Projection: Round 2, Pick 62, Ravens

Wilson was the top pass-catcher in UM's national title run. He's only 5-foot-10, which might limit his NFL possibilities a bit. Still, his 48 grabs for 789 yards and a dozen touchdowns attest to his big-play ability.

NFL Combine

Some have Wilson going a bit higher in the second round, but in light of his size limitations, the Ravens may be able to grab him near the end of the round.

#6 Blake Corum, RB

Projection: Round 3, Pick 69, Chargers

With 3,737 rushing yards and 58 touchdowns, Corum has been the mail carrier for Michigan over the past three years.

NFL Combine

With a 4.53 40-yard dash time, he's not the pure speedster the NFL normally covets. Corum projects as more of a physical runner. He's limited in pass protection and receiving. Accordingly, he'll probably still be available early in the third round for the Chargers (and Jim Harbaugh).

#7 Zak Zinter, G

Projection: Round 4, Pick 124, 49ers

The massive ZInter (nearly 6-foot-6, 309 pounds) was an excellent guard at Michigan. He's a step slow to move out to tackle, but will be a solid NFL interior lineman. San Francisco can probably nab him late in the fourth round.

#8 Braiden McGregor, Edge

Projection: Roung 5, Pick 159, Chiefs

McGregor worked his way up to a starting role in 2023. He had 26 tackles and nine tackles for Michigan. At just 254 pounds, McGregor may not be heavy enough to star in the NFL.

But his intensity and athleticism will intrigue somebody who will take a flier on his development. The Chiefs could be that team in round five.

#9 Trevor Keegan, Guard

Projection: Round 6, Pick 181, Chargers

At 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, Keegan was a physical interior lineman. He's probably never going to be able to move off the interior and has a somewhat limited upside for the NFL. Still, he's a tough blocker who keeps charging, and the Chargers may grab him late.

#10 Cornelius Johnson, WR

Projection: Round 7, Pick 204, Bills

Still something of a receiver in progress, Johnson is 6-foot-2, but will have to improve on the precision of his route running at the next level. Still, Buffalo may pick him up in the seventh round.

Which Wolverine will have the best NFL career? Weigh in below in the comments section!