Michigan may be struggling on the football field, but four of its starters still have first-round grades according to a pair of NFL draft analysts.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Matt Miller both released their updated boards and rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft on ESPN.com this week, and the same four Wolverines are still listed.
Cornerback Will Johnson leads the group as Michigan’s consensus top guy, with Miller even naming him the No. 1 player available heading into the April 24-26 draft in Green Bay.
“NFL teams looking for the next Pat Surtain II will love Johnson,” Miller wrote. “He has prototypical NFL size and speed, as well as excellent ball skills.”
Kiper, who had Johnson No. 2 on his rankings, raved about his instinctual play in coverage — pointing to his two returned interceptions for touchdowns this season.
More: Michigan CB Will Johnson ‘working’ to play vs. MSU
Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) looks to the crowd during Michigan vs Minnesota football at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Michigan defeated Minnesota 27-24.Josh Boland | MLive.com
“His ability to read quarterbacks jumps out when you watch him,” Kiper wrote. “He has great quickness in his transition, allowing him to make plays on the ball.”
Miller even went a step further, justifying his pick for Johnson at No. 1: “Looking at this entire class, Johnson has the best shot to be the top player at his position as a pro. He has all the goods to be a great NFL cornerback right out of the gate.”
Defensive tackle Mason Graham isn’t far off, according to Kiper and Miller, and believed to be the No. 1 defensive tackle prospect in this year’s class.
Miller has Graham ranked No. 3, while Kiper has the first-team all-Big Ten player last year at No. 5. They both rave about his technique and post-snap ability, contributing to his 18 total pressures and 3.5 sacks this season.
“Graham is my favorite trench player to watch on tape,” Miller wrote. “He’s a game wrecker,” pointing to his post-snap energy and combination of “angry hands and a frenetic motor.”
“He’s a Day 1 starter with a high-rookie impact grade.”
The next two Michigan players, tight end Colston Loveland defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, are where the two draft analysts are split. Miller has a higher grade on Loveland, at 16 compared to Kiper’s 24, while Kiper likes Grant more (18 to Miller’s 31).
Regardless of the rankings, both players currently have first-round grades and could hear their names called on Day 1. Miller calls Loveland (36 catches, 344 yards, 2 TD) a mismatch who can be moved around on the field against man or zone coverage. “And he can attack 50-50 balls in the air,” Miller wrote. “Loveland’s traits are on-pair with previous first-round tight ends.”
Kiper loves Grant’s athleticism, explosion off the ball and ability to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage, making him “an extremely alert football player.”
“Area scouts who have visited Michigan speak highly of Grant’s potential,” Miller added. “‘People his size shouldn’t move like this,’ an AFC area west scout texted me earlier this season.”
Kiper listed three other Michigan players in the top 10 of their position rankings: Kalel Mullings, No. 7 among fullbacks/H-backs; Josaiah Stewart, No. 6 among outside linebackers; and kicker Dominic Zvada, No. 1 among kickers/punters.
The Wolverines are 4-3 on the season and recently dropped out of the AP Top-25 rankings for the first time in more than three years.
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