Michigan football has had a solid streak when it’s come to putting players into the league under head coach Jim Harbaugh, especially in the early rounds.
In 2017, the maize and blue had two players go in the first round in Taco Charlton and Jabrill Peppers, two in 2019 in Devin Bush and Rashan Gary, one in 2020 in Cesar Ruiz, one in 2021 in Kwity Paye, two in 2022 in Aidan Hutchinson and Dax Hill, and one in 2023 in Mazi Smith. The Wolverines have had even more success in the second and third rounds, with several picked such as Willie Henry, Jourdan Lewis, Chase Winovich, Chris Wormley, David Long, Josh Uche, Luke Schoonmaker, DJ Turner, Jake Moody, and others going on day two of the NFL draft.
Now some are looking forward to who could be first-round selections in 2024. ESPN put out its first-round mock draft and the worldwide leader has former three-star defensive tackle Kris Jenkins going at No. 22 overall to the Chargers.
Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
The Chargers’ run defense surrendered a league-high 5.4 yards per carry last season, and the front seven lacks depth behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Jenkins is expected to make a significant leap in his development, and while he is still filling out his 6-foot-3, 285-pound frame, his movement skills and first-step quickness are really solid. His performance against Ohio State (seven tackles, three pressures) provided a glimpse of his upside.
While he’s the only Wolverine listed, there are multiple other players who certainly could have — or even should have — made the list. QB J.J. McCarthy, RBs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, LT LaDarius Henderson, LG Trevor Keegan, RG Zak Zinter, LB Junior Colson, and S Rod Moore all also either should have received consideration or are good candidates to potentially move into that first round this upcoming year.
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