Michigan Football dominating through first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft with seven prospects selected
When Michigan sent 18 players to the NFL Combine this spring it was evident that they had a special class of incoming rookies this year. After winning a national championship this season it was clear that the Wolverines were absolutely stacked. But seven players selected in the first 85 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft? […]
When Michigan sent 18 players to the NFL Combine this spring it was evident that they had a special class of incoming rookies this year. After winning a national championship this season it was clear that the Wolverines were absolutely stacked. But seven players selected in the first 85 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft? That is dominance. Let's dive into the first seven Wolverines off the board and see how they fit with their new NFL teams.
J.J. McCarthy, QB Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy had been the betting favorite to be selected by the Minnesota Vikings since early February, so it was no surprise to see him get the call from them in the first round at the 10th pick overall. He should compete to win the starting job immediately, and when McCarthy does inevitably take over he'll have one of the most dangerous sets of offensive weapons in the league. Justin Jefferson. T.J. Hockenson. Jordan Addison. He's going to find success with the Vikings. If you want to reminisce about his special Michigan career you can check out some of his 2024 NFL Draft highlights in the video below.
Kris Jenkins, DL Cincinnati Bengals
Kris Jenkins was selected in round two of the 2024 NFL Draft at pick 49 overall. The Bengals didn't necessarily have a huge need at interior defensive tackle right away for 2024, but they will soon with Sheldon Rankins and B.J. Hill both nearing or passing 30 years old. Jenkins may not start right away, but he's used to being a part of solid defensive fronts where he has to rotate in and wait his turn from time to time. He likely plays more full time in 2025.
Mike Sainristil, CB Washington Commanders
The Commanders needed a more trustworthy nickel cornerback and that's exactly what Mik Sainristil will be for them. Sainristil was the 50th pick overall, taken near the middle of round two of the NFL Draft. He should play nearly two thirds the Commanders snaps most likely right away in year one. The Commanders don't have an incredibly proven secondary, so expect him to stay on the field often, perhaps trying his hand in a couple roles he wasn't used to at Michigan.
Junior Colson, LB Los Angeles Chargers
Junior Colson reunited with Jim Harbaugh when the Chargers selected him at pick 69 overall in the early third round. Colson will slot in as the leader of the Chargers defense right away out of necessity. They have a couple other decent off-ball linebackers who will rotate in, but he should earn a starting role right away in Harbaugh's system. He's known coach Harbaugh since 2019, so they go way back.
Jim Harbaugh reunites with Michigan Football star as Los Angeles Chargers make their third round pick
Chargers land special linebacker with ties to Harbaugh
Blake Corum, RB Los Angeles Rams
The Rams selected Blake Corum with the 83rd overall pick in round three of the 2024 NFL Draft. The team already has an established special running back in Kyren Williams, but Corum gives them a proven touchdown scoring running back with some wiggle who could work into some significant snaps perhaps near the end of this upcoming season in Los Angeles.
Roman Wilson, WR Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers moved Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers this offseason, brought in Van Jefferson, and signed Quez Watkins too, but they clearly needed wide receiver help. George Pickens may still be the lead target for Pittsburgh this fall, but Roman Wilson should work into an every down wide receiver role and be their second leading target fairly early in his NFL career. Wilson came off the board right after Blake Corum.
Zak Zinter, OG Cleveland Browns
Despite his horrible leg injury last fall Zak Zinter was still the 85th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. That just speaks to how special he was for Michigan. He's an incredible leader, elite athlete at his position, and fills a real need for the Browns right away. The Browns have been getting older on their interior. Joel Bitonio is 32 and Wyatt Teller is 29. Zak Zinter could become the team's first rotational interior lineman and eventually replace either Bitonio or Teller long-term.
Michigan Football's dominance of the 2024 NFL Draft should only continue considering how many more players they're still waiting on to be selected who attended the NFL Combine. We'll be back with more on Michigan's special 2024 NFL Draft here soon.
Be looking for more Michigan Football coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
