LATEST: Four football players from Michigan selected in latest ESPN 2024 NFL mock draft

Jim Harbaugh, the former head coach of the Michigan football team, predicted before the 2023 season that his team would select more players in the 2024 NFL draft than any other team in history. Multiple players will need to go in the high end for that to occur.

J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback, seems to be the only first-round lock for the maize and blue; the greater question seems to be how early he goes. McCarthy is drafted late in the first 32 rounds in some mock drafts, while others see him going in the upper half. But a number of national champions selected by NFL teams are probably going to be announced on the second day.

Matt Miller of ESPN created a fresh mock draft that includes the first two rounds. additionally, he has three former Wolverines and one current Wolverine picked in the first round.

Rd.    Pick            Team                                               Pos.                     Player
1          13              Las Vegas Raiders                         QB                      J.J. McCarthy
2         47              New York Giants (via Seattle)    DT                      Kris Jenkins
2         48              Jacksonville Jaguars                    WR                     Roman Wilson
2         53              Philadelphia Eagles                      LB                       Junior Colson

Takeaways

The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, who also have older quarterbacks, are two more teams who are frequently linked to McCarthy: the Raiders. In what way will McCarthy be allowed to grow if he joins the Raiders? Or will he be cast into the wilderness too soon?

It’s not surprising that Jenkins was selected in the middle of the second round, and the Giants seem like a good place for the interior lineman to end up. Colson might also flourish under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio of the Eagles, who would undoubtedly be thrilled to have a linebacker from a team led by Jim Harbaugh, his former employer.

Wilson benefited much from his Reese’s Senior Bowl week. Although he was probably a late second-day selection, he is shooting up the NFL draft boards after showcasing his speed and athleticism during practices last week. If he puts up a strong combine, a team might find him too alluring to ignore, even on the first day of the draft.