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Michigan football’s talent on the field didn’t equate success in 2020, but that doesn’t mean that some of the higher-end players aren’t NFL-bound.
Now that college football is officially over at the culmination of the 2020 season, the big names that put together mock drafts looking ahead to April are starting to get their lists together. That includes one of the most prominent names in NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah.
Jeremiah put out his first 2021 mock draft, and he’s high on two former Wolverines. While outlets like PFF continue to anticipate that defensive end Kwity Paye could go as high as the top five, Jeremiah sees another former Michigan player going before him, and it’s one that was expected to be a first round pick before the season.
Pick 20 – Chicago Bears – Jalen Mayfield · OT
School: Michigan | Year: Sophomore (RS)
The Bears could use Mayfield at tackle or slide him inside to guard. I love the way he finishes in the run game.
Pick 21 – Indianapolis Colts – Kwity Paye · Edge rusher
School: Michigan | Year: Senior
The Colts need to address the quarterback spot after Philip Rivers’ retirement. I could see them trading for Sam Darnold or Carson Wentz. I also wouldn’t rule out a trade-up scenario for one of the top four QBs in this draft class. If they stick and pick, I like Paye’s upside as an edge rusher. He’s raw but the talent is there.
Other potential early-round picks include wide receiver Nico Collins and cornerback Ambry Thomas, both of whom opted out of the 2020 season. They’ll be relying on private workouts, as the traditional NFL scouting combine has been canceled.
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