[jwplayer mOQiYInw-XNcErKyb]
The final game of the 2019 season is coming up quick for the Michigan football team. They take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday, January 1 at 1 p.m. in the Citrus Bowl. While the matchup is what everyone is talking about, there are two other questions people are asking and wondering before the game.
Who will be playing in the game, and who will be declaring for the NFL draft? While players participating in the bowl game in the past few years has been a controversial subject, Michigan expects it to be all hands on deck against Alabama as no players are expected to miss the bowl game this year.
The NFL declarations though, those haven’t been finalized just yet. Underclassmen have until January 20 to decide whether they are going to the NFL draft, or return to college for another year or two depending on their class. So far, only one Michigan player has declared for the draft, linebacker Josh Uche.
Now no information is known on whether any of these players will return or leave, this is solely a prediction. First, let’s get the easy one out of the way.
QB Shea Patterson – Leaves
This one is the most obvious of them all. Quarterback Shea Patterson could possibly pursue a fifth-year of eligibility, but he’s already accepted an invite to the East-West Shrine Game to help his NFL draft stock. While that doesn’t mean he is officially leaving, it’s a sign that he’s ready to move on.
Patterson has said he hasn’t thought about a possible fifth-year of eligibility and there honestly isn’t a reason for him to return. Patterson has had a solid career at Michigan, throwing for 5,428 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. While the 2021 NFL Draft class isn’t as loaded at the quarterback position as the 2020 NFL Draft class, Patterson has shown everything he can do at Michigan. Against Alabama too, it’s the perfect game to go out on.
WR Nico Collins – Stays
One of the top two wide receivers for Michigan that could declare for the draft this year is Nico Collins. Collins came onto the scene last year with former Michigan wide receiver Tarik Black getting injured before the season started. Since then Collins has been a big part in the Michigan passing game, known for his catches in coverage, drawing pass interference penalties and gaining big chunks of yardage as the deep threat.
In his three years at Michigan, Collins has 74 catches for 1,340 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s shown his potential to be an NFL wide receiver, but this class is deep and there are more talented players than him out there right now. He’s improved since last season, but not enough to put him higher on a draft board. A senior year would be perfect for him to be a possible first-round wide receiver in 2021.
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones – Leaves
The other star wide receiver getting attention is Donovan Peoples-Jones. Peoples-Jones had a slow start at Michigan during his freshman year, but in 2018 he broke out and had another good year this season. While his numbers aren’t impressive to receive a first-round grade, if he can do well at the combine, he could see himself as a second-round pick.
In his three years at Michigan, Peoples-Jones has 102 catches for 1,293 yards with 14 touchdowns, along with 88 punt returns for 745 yards and two touchdowns. Peoples-Jones made some spectacular catches this season and his potential alone is the reason why he could declare.
TE Nick Eubanks – Stays
Backup tight end Nick Eubanks could declare for the NFL draft, and with starting tight end Sean McKeon graduating, Eubanks is projected to start next season at the position. Eubanks also hasn’t had that impressive of a career so far at Michigan, getting just 34 catches for 458 yards and four touchdowns.
Those numbers aren’t eye-popping and while Eubanks is talented, another year at Michigan would certainly help his chances at getting drafted in 2021. A good performance against Alabama though could possibly turn some heads.
C Cesar Ruiz – Leaves
Out of all of the players on this list, this one is the biggest one of them all. Starting center Cesar Ruiz returning would be a huge boost for an offensive line that is losing a lot next season. Left tackle Jon Runyan Jr, left guard Ben Bredeson, and right guard Michael Onwenu are all graduating. Right tackle Jalen Mayfield will return, so if Ruiz leaves, only one returning offensive lineman will be back in 2020.
Ruiz returning would be a big boost for the interior offensive line, and with tackle Andrew Stueber returning from his injury, that’d be three experienced linemen on the 2020 squad instead of two. Ruiz is one of the top centers in this draft class though, so his odds of getting drafted high are possible.
DT Michael Dwumfour – Stays
After having a powerful 2018 season, defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour didn’t have an impressive 2019 campaign to add on top of it. He is eligible to be a fifth-year senior and that would be a good option for him.
Dwumfour has 33 total tackles, six and a half tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass deflections, and an interception. His NFL draft stock isn’t high as of today as is, so another year wearing the winged helmet could give him a chance at getting his name called in April 2021.
Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @BKnappBlogs
[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]