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Many of the 11 Michigan players who made it to Indianapolis didn’t have an opportunity to showcase much of their ability at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Players like Josh Uche, Michael Onwenu and Sean McKeon only participated in limited aspects, namely the bench press, for various reasons. While others got a little more involved, some really stood out — like Donovan Peoples-Jones, who posted an elite athleticism score, per Next Gen Stats — others just kind of blended in.
But not Khaleke Hudson.
The Wolverines VIPER came in and worked out with the linebackers, first setting the bar high in the bench press before showcasing his elite athletic ability as well. When Sporting News’ Bill Bender posted his NFL Combine winners and losers, only one Michigan player made the list for good or bad.
Naturally, it was Hudson as a winner, given how impressive he was on Friday and Saturday.
Winner: Khaleke Hudson
The Michigan linebacker/safety impressed with 30 reps in the bench press and a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash. He also flashed a 33-inch vertical and a 120-inch broad jump. It was an outstanding all-around performance by another hybrid in Don Brown’s defense, and he could be valuable in a scheme that can utilize that athleticism. Hudson was not quite as impressive as Simmons, but his performance should bump him up the board.
Bump him up the board is something Hudson needs. He hasn’t always made high marks in seven-round mocks. Now, we wouldn’t be surprised if he was a mid-to-late day two pick by a team that sees his potential, if not an early day three pick — a strong move considering it wasn’t a shoo-in that he’d be drafted.
Now, it’s all but a certainty.