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Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking all 18 Michigan prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft

By Nicholas Meyer | Last updated 4/25/24

The defending national champion Michigan Wolverines set an NFL Scouting Combine record with 18 participants, setting the stage for history to be made Thursday through Saturday at the NFL Draft in Detroit.

The Wolverines could easily top Georgia's 2022 record for most players taken in a draft (15).

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy will almost certainly be the first Wolverine drafted, with strong odds of becoming a top-five pick.

With so much hype surrounding the Wolverines' draft candidates, it's time to rank Michigan's draft-eligible players:

1. J.J. McCarthy | Quarterback

The La Grange Park, Ill., native came to Michigan as a five-star prospect and finished with a 27-1 record as a starter.

He is one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in recent NFL Draft history because his passing stats do not compare to fellow top-five candidates Caleb Williams (USC), Jayden Daniels (LSU) and Drake Maye (North Carolina).

2. Kris Jenkins | Defensive tackle

A team leader and athletic marvel, Jenkins is just scratching the surface of his football talents. At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, he has the size to become an immediate impact player.

Jenkins is a dominant run-stopper with the raw tools to become a Pro Bowl pass-rusher. He is Pro Football Focus' fourth-ranked interior lineman.

3. Mike Sainristil | Nickelback

Another former wide receiver, Sainristil is a confident player with a knack for making big plays.

The big question for Sainristil – who was clocked at 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine – is his size at 5-foot-9, 182 pounds. He plays much bigger and with aggressiveness reminiscent of Tampa Bay's Antoine Winfield Jr. (and Antoine Winfield Sr.).

4. Junior Colson | Middle linebacker

Colson hasn't received the same level of hype as recent Michigan linebacker prospects Devin Bush (Browns) and David Ojabo (Ravens), perhaps because of his quiet demeanor.

The former wide receiver comes equipped with ideal size (6-foot-3, 247 pounds) for the position. He makes few mistakes on the field.

5. Roman Wilson | Wide receiver

Wilson caught the game-tying touchdown against Alabama in the Rose Bowl and was a clutch player throughout his final three seasons in Ann Arbor.

Wilson ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Last season's 12 touchdown catches suggest he could blossom into a star.

6. Trevor Keegan | Guard

Keegan is another Wolverine whose lights-out 2023 season has been underestimated.

Keegan allowed zero sacks and one QB hit in nearly 400 snaps last season. He figures to be a multiple-year starter who could excel at any offensive line position.

Michigan Guard Trevor Keegan this season:

〽️ 360 Pass Block Snaps
〽️ Zero Sacks Allowed
〽️ One QB Hit Allowed pic.twitter.com/TlajljIliH
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 7, 2024

7. Blake Corum | Running back

Corum's height (5-foot-8) and perceived lack of top-end speed (4.53 40-yard dash at combine) could hurt his draft stock. Expect Corum to feed off of the criticism and use it to his advantage. Durability could be a long-term concern.

8. Zak Zinter | Guard

An All-American recovering from a broken leg suffered in the Ohio State game back in November, Zinter could be the steal of the draft. He offers power and pop as an in-line blocker.

9. Michael Barrett | Outside linebacker

The most underrated Michigan player in the draft. Barrett was a missile on the blitz and played like a defensive back in coverage.

He runs, covers and hits like a natural and will be a leader wherever he goes.

10. Braiden McGregor | Defensive end

McGregor is a late bloomer who is starting to grow into his skill set. He became Michigan's best pass- rusher toward the end of the season while holding his own on the edge. His strength, length and athleticism equate to a high ceiling.

11. Drake Nugent | Center

Nugent transferred in from Stanford and was described as a maniacal worker from his early days on campus. A finalist for the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center, he started all 15 games for the Wolverines last season.

12. Josh Wallace | Cornerback

A transfer from UMass, Wallace was a three-time captain with the Minutemen. Critics are skeptical that he won't be more than a practice-squad player, but Wallace held up fine against elite competition.

13. LaDarius Henderson | Offensive tackle

Henderson's consistency was questioned by NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein this draft season. He was far from Michigan's best lineman, but the versatility he showed working at tackle and guard suggests he will become an NFL contributor.

14. AJ Barner | Tight end

A tall (6-foot-6), well-built Indiana transfer (252 pounds), Barner came into his own as Michigan's 2023 season wore on. His blocking ability and sure hands in the red zone could make him a dangerous TE2.

15. Jaylen Harrell | Outside linebacker/Defensive end

The 6-foot-4, 242-pound Harrell had 6.5 sacks last season for the Wolverines and was rarely out of position. He can be a difference-maker in the right scheme. Harrell is the son of former NFL player James Harrell.

16. Cornelius Johnson | Wide receiver

Michigan's quiet leader on the outside, Johnson had 47 catches for 604 yards and a touchdown as a graduate student last season.

17. Trente Jones | Offensive tackle

Jones filled in at both tackle spots and at guard for the Wolverines during his career. He started just five games last season but played in all 15 for the national champion Wolverines. His quick feet will land him on an NFL roster.

18. Karsen Barnhart | Guard

At 6-foot-4 1/2 and 306 pounds, Barnhart has the versatility and technique necessary to make an NFL roster and compete well at the next level.

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