Michigan football had a lot of talent on the roster in 2024, yet, the Wolverines managed to win only seven games with those departing — and one without. The Wolverines even beat rival Ohio State without two of their star players, two of which are among ESPN’s top 14 for sure first-round NFL draft picks this upcoming month. (subscription required)
While he didn’t play against the Buckeyes or against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Michigan’s primary offensive weapon was tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland led the team, handily, in receiving yards and receptions, but without stellar quarterback play as well as injuries, he fell behind Penn State TE Tyler Warren as the No. 2 overall tight end entering the draft, and ESPN’s No. 11 player overall.
Loveland started the 2024 season with a solid Round 1 grade and a top-10 ranking, but a shoulder injury that seemed to linger caused some concern and prompted me to push him down the board. He ended up having surgery on that shoulder and not working out at the combine. But this time of year is great for reflection, and Loveland deserves a true Round 1 grade.
The 6-foot-6, 248-pound Loveland is physical and tough with the upfield movement ability to beat defenders in his route tree. He is also a capable blocker with experience playing both in-line and flexed out. Loveland finished this past season with 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games.
The one player on ESPN’s list who played against the Buckeyes was Mason Graham, the defensive tackle who was a game-wrecker in the middle of the defense. ESPN has him coming in as the only sure-fire first-round defensive tackle and the third-best player in the draft.
Graham pops on tape, as you’ll see him causing constant problems from his 3-technique alignment. The 6-foot-4, 296-pounder had 3.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in 2024. He is powerful enough to anchor in the running game while also being quick enough to knife through gaps and make plays in the backfield. One AFC East scout summed it up to me by saying that Graham “never loses snaps.” He consistently beats the player in front of him and has the tools to be an NFL star.
Then there’s the curious case of cornerback Will Johnson.
Johnson entered the year as the No. 1 cornerback before losing that likely spot to Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. But it wasn’t as much because of his play on the field as much as he couldn’t stay on the field.
The legacy defensive back missed much of the second half of the USC game in Week 4, all of the Week 5 contest against Minnesota, the second half of the Week 8 game against Illinois, and then he never returned to action. Johnson is the all-time program leader in pick-sixes, in only two and a half years of play (though it’s actually less since he didn’t start playing much his freshman year until the back half of the season). ESPN believes him to be similar to Patrick Surtain II.
Johnson was limited to six games in 2024 because of a foot injury but had two interceptions (both pick-sixes) during that time. He is an elite all-around corner with speed and physicality, as his 6-foot-2, 194-pound frame allows him to match up with bigger receivers. Johnson isn’t as flashy as Travis Hunter, but he is incredibly savvy and technically sound.
Defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is also likely to be a first-round pick, but he didn’t make the cut of the top 14 according to ESPN.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Will Johnon, Colston Loveland, Mason Graham ESPN first-round grades
