J.J. McCarthy is expected to be the first of many players from Michigan’s national championship team to be drafted.
The Wolverines had a record-breaking 18 players at the combine, giving them a chance to set a new record for the most prospects picked from one school in an NFL draft.
“We have a shot because we have some great players on the team — and we won the natty,” said running back Blake Corum. “We could break the record.”
Georgia’s 2022 national championship team set the standard with 15 players picked in the 2023 draft, including five in the first round.
McCarthy might be Michigan’s only player taken in the top 32, but he’s expected to be among the top five picks after teams have gotten to know him off the field.
“This process is so unique,” McCarthy said. “They put you through so many different loops and hoops.” Several of McCarthy’s teammates are projected to be picked in the second or third round, while others will likely follow in later rounds.
Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, linebacker Junior Colson, defensive back Mike Sainristil, receiver Roman Wilson, and Corum could go in the second round.
Offensive linemen Zak Zinter and defensive end Braiden McGregor might be picked in the fourth or fifth round. Edge rusher Jaylen Harrell, receiver Cornelius Johnson, linebacker Michael Barrett, tight end AJ Barner, and offensive linemen Trevor Keegan and LaDarius Henderson could be picked in the sixth or seventh round.
“It just goes to show how many dogs we got on this team, and how many people are willing to play the role and humble themselves,” Jenkins said. “It’s special.” The AP’s mock draft has McCarthy going at No. 8, and The Athletic listed 14 players from Michigan in a seven-round mock draft.
If those players are picked along with All-Big Ten center and Rimington Trophy finalist Drake Nugent, the Wolverines will tie the Bulldogs’ mark.
And if at least one of three others who were invited to the combine — offensive linemen Trente Jones and Karsen Barnhart along with defensive back Josh Wallace — are drafted, Michigan will set a new mark.
“Walking around, you couldn’t go anywhere in Indianapolis without seeing a bunch of Michigan guys — or now that coach (Jim) Harbaugh is in the NFL — or coaches,” Nugent said.
“It’s something to appreciate on top of the incredible season we had.” Three of Michigan’s prospects have fathers who played in the league.
Jenkins, whose dad has the same name, was a two-time All-Pro defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets. James Harrell was with the Detroit Lions and Terry Nugent played for Cleveland and Indianapolis.
Harbaugh, a father figure of sorts, will probably try to convince the Los Angeles Chargers to draft some of his former players.
Harbaugh attended Michigan’s pro day last month. Even though he may not be the most unbiased observer and he already has a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the former Michigan and NFL quarterback was impressed by McCarthy’s performance.
“I’ve been to a lot of pro day workouts and watched quarterbacks throw. That was the best I’ve ever seen a quarterback do at a pro day,” Harbaugh said.
