NFL mock draft roundup: Where experts predict Michigan stars will go

The Michigan Wolverines won a program-record 15 games en route to a national championship in 2023. Their 34-13 win over Washington secured a title for the first time since 1997.

Last year, Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh moved on to the NFL. Several starters on that title-winning team did as well via the draft. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, defensive lineman Kris Jenkins and cornerback Mike Sainristil were all selected within the first 50 picks of the 2024 NFL draft. A further 10 Michigan prospects were selected over the rest of the draft.

This year will see more Wolverines from that championship squad drafted to the next level and even more early in the early rounds, especially on defense. Defensive tackle Mason Graham is a lock for the top 10 picks in the first round. Fellow defensive lineman Kenneth Grant as well as cornerback Will Johnson should hear their names called during Round 1 of the draft.

Tight end Colston Loveland’s one of the best prospects at the position in the class and should hear his name called early as well.

Experts predict all four will go within the first round of the 2025 NFL draft but differ on their specific landing spots. Here’s a mock roundup for this year’s top Michigan prospects:

Michigan Wolverines NFL mock draft roundup

DT Mason Graham

Graham is one of the safest prospects in the class thanks to his NFL-ready skillset, size and strength. He has a high floor as a run defender with a wrestling background to win at the point of attack. He’s instinctual and athletic and should be a reliable starter as a rookie.

CB Will Johnson

Johnson had a standout season for the Wolverines in 2023 in their run to the national championship. He has the ideal size for an outside cornerback (6-foot-2, 194 pounds) with the technique and athleticism to be a difference-maker in zone or man coverage. He had an up-and-down 2024 season that was cut short by injury which may affect his draft standing.

• CBS Sports: No. 11 overall to the San Francisco 49ers
• 33rd Team: No. 9 overall to the New Orleans Saints
• The Huddle: No. 5 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars
• Pro Football Focus: No. 19 overall to the Buffalo Bills (via trade)

TE Colston Loveland

Loveland is one of two tight ends widely expected to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft in addition to Penn State’s Tyler Warren. Loveland is a mismatch in coverage thanks to his size (6-foot-6, 248 pounds), athleticism and elite ball skills. His game translates better to the NFL than it did in college at Michigan.

• CBS Sports: No. 14 overall to the Indianapolis Colts
• 33rd Team: No. 22 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers
• The Huddle: No. 22 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers
• Pro Football Focus: No. 14 overall to the Indianapolis Colts

DT Kenneth Grant

Grant formed a formidable duo with Graham in Ann Arbor and makes for a long-term fit on the interior in the NFL. His size (6-foot-4, 331 pounds) and elite athleticism project well and give him lots of upside for NFL teams. He wasn’t as productive in college as he could be in the NFL in time.

• CBS Sports: No. 20 overall to the Denver Broncos
• 33rd Team: No. 15 overall to the Atlanta Falcons
• The Huddle: No. 30 overall to the Buffalo Bills
• Pro Football Focus: No. 26 overall to the Chicago Bears (via trade)

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