The NFL Draft is less than a month away, and the first wave of free agents has been signed. Now, most general managers are solely focusing on the draft, kicking off in just over three weeks. Rumors are swirling about where the top prospects might be headed, and we’ll start hearing “guarantees” leaking from agents to get their player picked higher.
For the Michigan Wolverines, it appears four names may be called in the first round, with a few more coming later in the draft. Experts are starting to make their most educated picks of the year instead of just ranking players by skill, as teams have taken shape through free agency.
Here is the latest collection of mock drafts.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
- No. 5 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham
“The Jaguars’ top need hasn’t changed through free agency. They have to add a pocket-pushing, havoc-wreaking defensive tackle in the middle of the line after Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton combined for two sacks there in 2024. Graham had only 3.5 sacks last season at Michigan, but he also tallied 26 pressures and 14 run stops. His technique is outstanding, and he has the power and leverage to pop back interior offensive linemen. Slotted between Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, he could dominate.”
- No. 14 overall – Indianapolis Colts – TE Colston Loveland
“I liked the Colts’ signings of Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum, so I’m less worried about the secondary than I was a few weeks ago. But I’m still very concerned about Indy’s pass-catching options. This is a make-or-break season for quarterback Anthony Richardson — especially now that Daniel Jones is in the fold as competition — and the wide receiver and tight end rooms are light.
“The Colts could take a wideout such as Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka or Texas’ Matthew Golden. But Loveland is ranked higher on my board than all three and could immediately become Indy’s No. 1 tight end. I see him hauling in some Richardson deep balls down the seam.”
- No. 16 overall – Arizona Cardinals – CB Will Johnson
“This is a value pick. I have Johnson ranked 10th on my board, and he might have been even higher had a toe injury not ended his season early. He has nine career interceptions and always seems to be around the football. Garrett Williams was impressive in the slot last season, but the Cards could stand to add on the outside, where they are starting Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V.
“Opponents completed 68.6% of their passes against Arizona in 2024 (fourth worst for any defense), and the Cardinals were one of nine teams with fewer than 10 interceptions (nine).”
- No. 30 overall – Buffalo Bills – DL Kenneth Grant
“Buffalo should be eyeing the cornerbacks in this class, assuming it doesn’t bring back free agent Rasul Douglas, who is still unsigned. But with Jahdae Barron, Azareye’h Thomas and Maxwell Hairston coming off the board in the previous six picks of this mock draft, the Bills probably would have to pivot. Perhaps they look at Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III to give quarterback Josh Allen another run-after-catch ace. But I’m going with Grant.
“This 6-foot-4, 331-pound run stopper fits well in the middle of Buffalo’s defensive line with Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones. Grant can push the pocket from inside too. He had three sacks and 17 pressures in 2024.”
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah
- No. 8 overall – Carolina Panthers – DT Mason Graham
“The Panthers came up a little short in their pursuit of Milton Williams in free agency, but they get another chance to bolster the interior defensive line here. Graham would be a key addition for a defense that ranked last in yards and points allowed last season.”
- No. 15 overall – Atlanta Falcons – CB Will Johnson
“While some inconsistencies popped up in Johnson’s 2024 tape, it’s hard to find big, rangy corners with his ball skills.”
- No. 18 overall – Seattle Seahawks – TE Colston Loveland
“The Seahawks might have bigger needs, but the value is just too great to pass up Loveland at No. 18. The former Michigan tight end joins Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp to give Sam Darnold an intriguing group of pass catchers.”
- No. 30 overall – Buffalo Bills – DL Kenneth Grant
“Grant fills a need for the Bills. They recently signed DT Larry Ogunjobi, but he’s facing a six-game suspension. Grant’s raw upside and athleticism are tough to pass up.”
The Athletic’s Ben Standig
- No. 5 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham
“The Jaguars signed many decent free agents, but none have addressed the interior defensive line issues. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Graham’s high-end wrestling background will help him grapple with guards and centers. Jacksonville’s dubious culture should benefit from Graham’s national championship pedigree.”
- No. 14 overall – Indianapolis Colts – TE Colston Loveland
“Whether Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones wins the starting quarterback job, the Colts are overdue to add more weapons on offense. The tight end corps is particularly unimpressive. The 6-6 Loveland puts a tall target on the field, one capable of running receiver routes.”
- *No. 17 overall – Los Angeles Chargers – CB Will Johnson
(Projected trade: Chargers acquire No. 17 and a 2026 fourth-rounder from Bengals for Nos. 22, 125, 214 and a 2026 third-rounder)
“Jim Harbaugh trading up for a different Michigan man (Loveland) would be the ideal use of the Chargers’ draft capital (10 selections). The pivot turns to cornerback — and jumping the Buccaneers at No. 19 — after losing Kristian Fulton in free agency, and Asante Samuel Jr. remains unsigned. Johnson’s impressive 6-2 size, playmaking and familiarity with the Chargers’ coaching staff make for a smooth transition.”
- No. 21 overall – Pittsburgh Steelers – DL Kenneth Grant
“There’s ample speculation about the Steelers drafting the third quarterback, presumably Dart. Waiting for Rodgers suggests heightened urgency. Therefore, Pittsburgh targets a possible Week 1 interior starting lineman on either side of the ball.”
ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum
- Updated pick: No. 3 overall – New York Giants – DT Mason Graham
“He has excellent physical traits and plays with great technique. His wrestling background is very apparent when you watch him play; he has great balance and leverage, which helped him produce 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures last year in Ann Arbor. I like the idea of dropping him next to Dexter Lawrence II and letting him get after the quarterback from the inside. (I also considered Penn State’s Abdul Carter, but edge rusher isn’t as high on the “need” list.)”
- No. 11 overall – San Francisco 49ers – CB Will Johnson
“A lot of holes here — the offensive tackle, receiver and cornerback groups could all use a look. But the Niners allowed 25.6 points per game last season (29th), and they didn’t really replace the lost talent on that side of the ball in free agency. That includes Charvarius Ward’s spot at outside cornerback. Johnson could be a day one starter there. At 6-2 and 194 pounds, he has ideal size and physicality at the position. I see great instincts when I watch him play ball, too. I know he missed time in 2024 with his foot injury, but he has nine career interceptions and all the traits to be a frontline corner in the pros.
“Landing Johnson would be a good start to the draft for San Francisco, which has 11 picks over three days.”
- No. 15 overall – Atlanta Falcons – DL Kenneth Grant
“There’s no doubt Atlanta lacks edge rushing, but the loss of Grady Jarrett also opens up a hole in the middle of the defensive line. Grant would be immensely helpful right out of the gate against both the pass and run. He has the bulk that the Falcons desperately need on the interior (6-4, 331 pounds), and I love his range. He can track down the ball outside the tackle box, a rare ability for someone his size. Grant had three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss last season.”
- No. 22 overall – Los Angeles Chargers – TE Colston Loveland
“This is an ideal scenario for coach Jim Harbaugh. He could be reunited with his former tight end from his Michigan days and also fill a hole in the offense. L.A. signed Tyler Conklin and has Will Dissly, but Loveland would jump them both on the depth chart to provide quarterback Justin Herbert with another top-tier option beyond Ladd McConkey. Loveland is a great route runner for a 6-6 player, and he’d be a plug-and-play day one starter for the Chargers. He had 56 catches for 582 yards in 2024. (Loveland’s run blocking isn’t great, but I could see it improving given his work ethic.)”
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks:
- No. 5 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham
“The hardworking interior defender would give the Jaguars another pass-rushing option at the point of attack.”
- No. 22 overall – Los Angeles Chargers – TE Colston Loveland
“A reunion between Jim Harbaugh and his former Michigan tight end would help Justin Herbert attack the middle of the field.”
- No. 23 overall – Green Bay Packers – CB Will Johnson
- “If the Packers move on from CB Jaire Alexander, this Michigan product would give defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley a plug-and-play option on the perimeter.”
- No. 30 overall – Buffalo Bills – DL Kenneth Grant
“The massive run stuffer would add size and physicality to a defensive front that is loaded with pass rushers.”
ESPN’s Matt Miller
- No. 5 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham
“New Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone has talked about building up the trenches, and he can start doing that with the best defensive tackle in the draft. Gladstone was with the Rams when they traded up to draft Braden Fiske in Round 2 last year and might see a similar player in Graham — but with more pass-rush upside.
Graham doesn’t lose many reps and has the quickness to slice through blockers and dominate gaps. He had 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 26 pressures this past season despite not being asked to attack the quarterback often. His well-rounded approach and ability would make him a cornerstone of the Jaguars’ new defense.”
- No. 11 overall – San Francisco 49ers – CB Will Johnson
“What do you get for a team that lost nine starters this offseason? The best player on the board. Johnson is that player, a seamless replacement for Charvarius Ward who would be a true homegrown talent at CB1, something the 49ers haven’t had in ages. Johnson was limited to six games in 2024 with a toe injury but had two interceptions — both of which he returned for touchdowns. His playmaking ability and savvy ball skills in zone coverage remind me of Trevon Diggs . When healthy, Johnson is one of the best defenders in the nation. The 49ers can bet on a bounce-back in health and can bet that Johnson will develop better tackling at the next level.”
- No. 14 overall – Indianapolis Colts – TE Colston Loveland
“The Colts had only 39 receptions from their tight ends this past season, the fewest in the NFL. Loveland would provide an immediate upgrade as a natural pass catcher with soft hands, elite agility in space, and the speed to run himself open. He missed time with a shoulder injury and was in a sling at the combine in late February, but it won’t affect the start of his NFL career.
Loveland was the Michigan passing game this past season, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns despite anemic QB play. He also became an accomplished move blocker in the Wolverines’ run-heavy scheme, which Colts RBJ onathan Taylor will appreciate.”
- No. 39 overall – Chicago Bears – DL Kenneth Grant
“The Bears added Grady Jarrett in free agency, but they could use a 1-technique who can collapse pockets and push the pile in the run game. The 331-pound Grant would fill that need with his elite quickness and tools. He has the power to anchor in the run game and the movement necessarily to slip past blockers as a pass rusher. Grant is also elite at knocking down passes, with 11 pass breakups over the past two seasons. The Bears are better on the line now than when the offseason began, but Grant would raise their ceiling even more.”
- No. 82 overall – Seattle Seahawks – Edge Josaiah Stewart
“Coaches have told me that Stewart was the toughest player on Michigan’s 2023 national championship team. He’s a highly productive edge rusher (30 career sacks) with immediate rush ability and fills a need for Seattle.”
- No. 229 overall – Pittsburgh Steelers – RB Donovan Edwards
- No. 240 overall – Chicago Bears – OT Myles Hinton
- No. 256 overall – Los Angeles Chargers – RB Kalel Mullings