NFL Draft expert breaks down Michigan’s top players

What the NFL.com expert has to say about four former Wolverines and where we think he’s right and wrong.

Ben Bredeson

If there’s been a consistent force for Michigan on the offensive line over the years, it’s been Ben Bredeson.

A four-year starter, he’s been an anchor for the Wolverines since he took over the left guard spot after some reshuffling due to Grant Newsome’s career-ending injury.

Jeremiah likes his ability, but otherwise sees several problem areas. While some have Bredeson tagged as an early day two pick, he isn’t quite that optimistic that a team will take a chance that soon based off a couple traits that have nagged him throughout his career.

“Bredeson, I think, was the other one you mentioned,” Jeremiah said. “Obviously, you love the size. He’s got some quickness. You see the strength, upper body-wise, the torque, there’s an issue with me with some of his balance issues. He leans a little bit, gets tugged and pulled. And I thought he struggled a little bit changing direction at the next level.

“I know some teams are a little higher on him. I have him as a day three pick. He has a chance — he has a chance to develop into a functional starter, but there’s a significant gap between him and Ruiz, in my opinion.”

Verdict: Ceiling is second-round, but Bredeson needs an incredible combine to make that happen.

We don’t necessarily agree that there’s as big of a gap between him and Ruiz, but that certainly could be the case on where either are picked. His floor could be as low as the sixth-round if he doesn’t show out in Indianapolis and in his Pro Day.