The defending National Champions have an early season test. The 10th-ranked Wolverines play host to the 3rd-ranked Texas Longhorns. This game is loaded with NFL draft prospects. Michigan had an unprecedented 13 players drafted in the 2024 draft. Despite this, they have as much draftable talent as anyone in the country.
Michigan currently has six consensus draft top 100 big board players. In my last article, we focused on Texas offensive prospects. In this article, we will focus on Michigan defensive players. Just like the Longhorns who have three top 31 consensus offensive prospects, Michigan has three top 22 defensive prospects.
Defensive Tackle Duo
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 25: Mason Graham #55 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after sacking Kyle McCord #6 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half in the game at Michigan Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)2025 NFL Draft Prospects to Keep an Eye On: Texas Vs Michigan Part Two: Wolverines 1
The Wolverines have two of the best defensive tackles in the country. Let’s start with Mason Graham #55. The 6-foot-3 320 junior is regarded as one of the best prospects if not the best prospect in the draft. With a non-stop motor and quick first step, Graham is a nightmare for interior offensive lineman. He is also strong at the point of attack and is a plus-run defender. If Graham continues to dominate, he will be a top 5 pick in the draft and an instant starter at the 3-technique position. He is #5 on the consensus draft big board.
Graham’s teammate on the interior of the defensive line is Kenneth Grant #78. Grant has tremendous size and measures 6-foot-3 and 339 pounds. He has strong hands and has little trouble shedding blocks. Grant is the prototypical NFL nose tackle and anchors well against double teams. He is extremely athletic for his size and has elite pass-rush potential. Grant is #22 on the consensus draft big board, but should move up if he can consistently create pressure from the interior.
Lockdown Corner
With many NFL teams playing zone 2-deep safety looks, corners are falling in recent drafts. There were zero corners drafted in the top 20 of the 2024 draft. That will change in the 2025. It would be a shock if the 6-foot-2 202-pound Will Johnson fell out of the top 10. Last week vs Fresno St, the Wolverines clung to a 23-10 lead with just over 4 minutes to go. The Bulldogs had 1st and goal to go. Johnson read the play perfectly, jumped the route, and intercepted the ball for a pick-six. Michigan led 30-10 and never looked back.
Extremely physical at the line of scrimmage, Johnson looks like a natural press-man corner. He has great instincts, size, and closing speed. Johnson has quick feet and fluid hips which is rare for someone his size. He has shutdown corner potential at the next level and should fit into any NFL defensive scheme. If he runs well at the combine he is all but a lock to be a top 5 pick. Johnson is consensus #2 overall which just so happens to be his jersey number.
Final Thoughts
When Michigan hosts Texas, we will see one of the best offenses in the country against one of the country’s best defenses. The Longhorns interior will have their hands full with Graham and Grant. Texas WR Isaiah Bond and Will Johnson will be the key matchup to watch. Bond has an opportunity to move up in the draft with a big game. Johnson can confirm he is a top-5 talent by shutting Bond down. Michigan plays Texas at Noon Eastern this Saturday on FOX.
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