Michigan RB Blake Corum (2) - Paul Sancya/AP
Next up in the draft process is the Michigan Pro Day. This is when players can get one more chance to show off their skills to NFL scouts. They can also potentially improve their draft stock if they impress. The Michigan Pro Day will take place on March 22nd.
Michigan Pro Day Information
The Michigan Wolverines had the most prospects at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. There were 18 players to receive the invite Now, they will once again have numerous participants at this year’s pro day. Here is a look at players to expect, and what their draft projections are.
J.J. McCarthy – QB
After three years at Michigan, quarterback J.J. McCarthy is heading to the NFL. Not only is he going to the league, he is likely to be a first-round draft pick. He could even be top ten. In three years, McCarthy has had 482 completions for 6,226 yards and 49 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. This is compared to just throwing 11 interceptions with a completion percentage of 67.6. The next step is to patiently wait to see which team takes him in the draft.
Karsen Barnhart – OT
After five years, Michigan offensive lineman, Karsen Barnhart is heading to the NFL. Barnhart is projected to be an undrafted free agent in April. This year’s draft will have a lot of offensive linemen, and this tackle may fall. Barnhart is a solid player but could do better with his footwork. Expect him to fall, but he will have a chance to develop as a player wherever he lands.
Trente Jones – OT
Trente Jones is another offensive lineman heading to the NFL after five seasons with the Wolverines. Jones’ draft projection is in the sixth round this year. Jones is a strong athlete who has the capability to push forward, but there is still room for improvement when it comes to moving backward. He can use the Michigan Pro Day to improve his draft stock a bit. Watch for Jones on day three of the draft.
LaDarius Henderson – OT
Tackle LaDarius Henderson is heading to the NFL after five years of playing college football. His first four years were with Arizona State, then he spent one year with the Wolverines. Henderson is another player who is expected to go undrafted. Henderson is a strong pass protector who does well with his hand placement. His footwork can improve though. Henderson can attempt to use the Pro Day to jump into the last day of the draft.
Drake Nugent – C
Center Drake Nugent is heading to the league after five years of collegiate football. He first started with Stanford, where he spent four years, followed by his final year with Michigan. The center is currently a seventh-round draft projection. Nugent is a strong athlete but needs to continue building up his strength as a pass protector.
Trevor Keegan – OG
Trevor Keegan, guard, is heading to the NFL after five years playing with the Michigan Wolverines. Keegan is a fifth-round draft projection this year. He is a strong athlete with a large amount of awareness. If put in the right position, Keegan can develop into a solid offensive lineman. Watch for him on day three of the NFL Draft.
Zak Zinter – OG
Zak Zinter is the final offensive lineman heading to the NFL. Zinter spent five years with the Wolverines. Zinter is currently the highest projected draft pick among the Michigan offensive line. His draft projection is in the fourth round. Zinter is an excellent run-blocker that many NFL teams can use.
Roman Wilson – WR
Wide receiver Roman Wilson is heading to the NFL following four seasons with the Wolverines. In four years, Wilson has had 107 receptions for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. He has also had seven rushing attempts for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson’s draft projection is in the second round. Wilson can step into the league as a strong WR3 on whichever team he lands with.
Cornelius Johnson – WR
The other wide receiver heading to the NFL is Cornelius Johnson. This is after five years with the Michigan Wolverines. In five seasons, Johnson has had 138 receptions for 2,038 yards and 14 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. He has also rushed the ball six times for 70 yards. Johnson is a player that will likely drop in the draft. Is current projection is in the sixth round. Johnson sometimes struggles to hold on to throws as a deep passing threat, but could be a strong third down threat.
AJ Barner – TE
After four years of college football, tight end AJ Barner is heading to the NFL. He spent his first three seasons with Indiana and then one with Michigan. In four years, Barner has had 64 receptions for 610 yards and five touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Barner is not one of the top tight ends in this year’s draft, but he is still a sixth round projection. His frame limits him as a blocker but he can make solid tight end depth for teams.
Blake Corum – RB
After a big National Championship Game and four years at Michigan, running back Blake Corum is heading to the NFL. In four seasons, Corum has rushed the ball 675 times for 3,737 yards and 58 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. He also has had 56 receptions for 411 yards and three touchdowns. Corum is currently a second round draft projection. Any team in need of a running back will look to grab him if he falls to them in the second round.
Kris Jenkins – DL
Defensive lineman, Kris Jenkins is heading to the NFL after four seasons with the Wolverines. In four years, Jenkins has had 113 total tackles, 54 solo, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks according to Sports Reference. He has also had one interception and one fumble recovery. The versitle lineman is a second round projection this year. He is an edge, but can be put anywhere on the line and succeed.
Braiden McGregor – DE
After four years with the Michigan Wolverines, Braiden McGregor, a defensive lineman, is entering the NFL Draft. In four years, McGregor has had 48 total tackles, 26 solo, 15 tackles for loss, and seven sacks, according to Sports Reference. He has also forced one fumble while playing with the Wolverines. McGregor’s draft projection is in the sixth-round. He can use the Michigan Pro Day to increase his draft stock, after already receiving an invite to the Senior Bown and the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Jaylen Harrell – DE
The final player on the defensive line to expect at the Michigan Pro Day is Jaylen Harrell. The lineman is heading to the league after four years with Michigan. In four years, the lineman has had 78 total tackles, 39 solo, 19 tackles for loss, and ten sacks, according to Sports Reference. He has also forced two fumbles. Harrell is currently a seventh round draft projection. Harrell is quick off the line, but can to do better when he is thrown off. This is something he can work on with whichever team selects him.
Michael Barrett – LB
After six seasons with Michigan, linebacker Michael Barrett is entering the NFL Draft. In five years, Barrett has had 208 total tackles, 116 solo, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. He has also had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. The linebacker is expected to drop as an undrafted free agent. He can potentially use the Michigan Pro Day to jump into the seventh round. Barrett has strong instincts, but can be better at finishing his tackles and locating the ball off the run.
Junior Colson – LB
Fellow linebacker Junior Colson is heading to the NFL after just three seasons with the Wolverines. In three years, Colson has had 256 total tackles, 114 solo, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. He has also had one fumble recovery. Colson is a strong player and his draft projection is in the second round. His change of direction can improve, but he is strong in coverage, especially against running backs and tight ends. Watch for him on day two of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mike Sainristil – CB
Cornerback Mike Sainristil will be entering the NFL after five years with the Michigan Wolverines. In his first three seasons, Sainristil was used as a wide receiver. In his last two seasons, he switched to defensive back. Sainristil has had 108 total tackles, 70 solo, 10.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, according to Sports Reference. He has also forced two fumbles and has had seven interceptions, two going for touchdowns. As a receiver, he has had 37 receptions for 539 yards and five touchdowns. Sainristil is currently a third round draft projection. As a former receiver, he knows how to track down the ball in coverage. He may struggle against bigger receivers, but he can be a valuable assett for teams.
Josh Wallace – CB
The final player to expect at the Michigan Pro Day is cornerback Josh Wallace. He is entering the NFL after spending his first four years at UMass and one year at Michigan. In five years, Wallace has had 170 total tackles, 121 solo, and nine tackles for loss, according to Sports Reference. He has also had three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. Wallace is expected to drop as an undrafted free agent. While playing zone, Wallace is a solid player, but needs to do better at limiting the penalties.
The Michigan Pro Day will take place on March 22nd. The players will also have time to schedule pre-draft visits with various NFL teams. After that, it’s the 2024 NFL Draft. The draft will take place April 25th-27th.
