Five Michigan players with the most to gain at the NFL combine
With the NFL combine taking place in just days (Feb. 26), we take a look at five Wolverines with the chance to boost their stock at the largest scouting event of the cycle.
This year, Michigan set a record for most invitations with 18 and has a good shot to beat out 2022 Georgia for the most picks in a single draft. The Bulldogs set the mark with 15, but it’ll be close to see if Michigan can take that record as well.
Interestingly, Michigan has only one projected first-round selection in quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Wolverines are expected to have double-digit selections in the mid-to-late rounds however, which showcases the depth of the squad.
WR - Roman Wilson
Wilson led Michigan in receiving yards and touchdowns this year but was still considered a mid-round pick until he exploded at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Now, Wilson is seen as a late second-round pick.
Wilson’s best attribute is his speed, which just happens to be the most important trait in the NFL today. The Hawai’i native is expected to run in the 4.3 range which would put him among the fastest players at the combine. It’s unlikely, but Wilson has a chance to literally run himself into the first round, or at least cement himself as an early second-round prospect.
LB - Junior Colson
Colson is listed on Michigan’s roster at 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, which profiles closer to some edge defenders than most NFL linebackers. Of course, Colson is also able to fly sideline-to-sideline and is terrific in coverage. If his massive size is confirmed and he can most impressive speed times, expect NFL front offices to be falling over themselves to select Colson.
The other important part of the combine is the dreaded player interviews. NFL general managers and scouts get one-on-one time with players to ask them about their film, get to know them personally, etc. This is where Colson can separate himself. As a middle linebacker, being able to show his football intelligence could very well see him boost his stock. If coaches are comfortable with him being able to call a defense in time, they will take him high.
Edge - Braiden McGregor
McGregor’s draft stock probably suffered slightly due to the constant rotation that Michigan had on the defensive line. He recorded just 4.5 sacks in 2023 and likely could have doubled his numbers had he played full-time snaps. But the system proved effective nonetheless, and McGregor walked away with a national title.
Either way, the 6-foot-5 pass rusher has declared for the draft. He has the prototypical size to play at the next level but needs to showcase his athleticism if he wants to move into the third round. The combine is a great place for him to set himself apart from other bulky edge rushers in the class. His bench press and agility drills will be huge in determining his draft stock.
QB - J.J. McCarthy
Michigan’s golden boy.
McCarthy is already projected as a top-15 pick by many analysts and is usually considered the fourth QB on the board after Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Still, he could jump Daniels with an impressive combine.
Primarily, McCarthy needs to run fast. He will not beat Daniels, but his 40-yard dash has to be good enough to turn heads. McCarthy simply wasn’t called upon enough to have a top-tier resume as a passer, but if he can sell his ability as a dual-threat it will do wonders.
Secondly, McCarthy will have to be excellent in the interviews. He is three years younger than Daniels, which helps his long-term projections, but if he can out-football Daniels in the personal interviews teams might consider him QB3.
RB- Blake Corum
Corum has two questions to answer: speed and durability. Corum took 731 touches in college which means his shelf life in the NFL might be limited. He handled the pounding well but didn’t look quite the same after his ACL injury in 2022. If he can clear all the medical questions and prove he is fully recovered, Corum should boost his draft standing.
Secondly, teams are looking for Corum to prove he can hit the home run. Corum was excellent in short-yardage situations last season, but he didn’t have many moments where he left defenders in the dust. That will be a box that needs to be checked if he wants to be one of the top five running backs off the board.
