5 Michigan players to watch out for in Day 2 of 2024 NFL Draft ft. Roman Wilson
The Michigan Wolverines have 18 players from their 2023 championship who have entered the 2024 NFL Draft. The only Wolverine selected in the first round was quarterback J.J. McCarthy, as he is on his way to Minnesota to join the Vikings in 2024.
Now the focus shifts to Round 2, where many players from the reigning College Football Playoff champions await their turn to take the next step in their careers.
With 17 Michigan players still remaining on the draft boards, here are five players that could hear their names called on day two of the draft.
Michigan Round 1 NFL Draft Picks: List of players selected after Day One ft. J.J. McCarthy
Five Michigan players to watch out for in day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft
#1. Junior Colson, LB
Michigan inside linebacker Junior Colson was the 2023 Ronnie Lott Trophy winner, finishing last season with 95 total tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss.
As great as his numbers were, they were down from 2022, where he accumulated 101 total tackles, 6.0 total tackles, and 2.0 sacks.
Colson is a tough linebacker with great size and strength at his position. He has the speed to close on ball carriers in a flash and an excellent ability to wrap up and finish tackles.
He also has the ability to be effective in pass coverage, but he has room for improvement with his play and blocking recognition.
Overall, he has all the tools to make a successful three-down linebacker, with small areas for improvement.
He could fit very well on a team like the Houston Texans with the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Working under a defensive-minded head coach like DeMeco Ryans could be a huge boost for Colson in his professional career.
#2. Mike Sainristil, CB
Michigan's 2023 team captain, Mike Sainristill, has an outstanding combination of intelligence, athleticism, and toughness at the cornerback position. He is a former wide receiver turned corner who can cover well and find his way into the backfield as well.
Sainristil had 10.5 tackles for loss with 3.0 sacks in his last two seasons playing defensive back for Michigan. He added seven total interceptions over those two seasons and returned two of those picks for touchdowns in 2023.
At 5-9, 182 lbs., he doesn't necessarily have the ideal size for an NFL corner. But he is extremely quick and can further develop his game at the professional level.
Sainristil could be a fit for the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 48th overall pick. Jacksonville desperately needs help in the secondary and took their offensive piece, Brian Thomas Jr., in the first round.
#3. Roman Wilson, WR
Michigan wideout Roman Wilson is a speedy, explosive receiver who had a much improved season in 2023. He caught 48 passes last season for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He has the ability to break off a huge play every time he touches the football. He finished second in the Big Ten with 16.4 yards per reception last season with Michigan.
He will need to work on his spacing and recognition against zone coverage, but his speed will be his biggest draw for NFL teams to select him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Wilson projects to be selected around the 49th pick, potentially by the Cincinnati Bengals. Tee Higgins could potentially be on his way out, and Wilson would be a great, cheap option with a ton of speed to go alongside Ja'Marr Chase.
#4. Kris Jenkins, DT
At 6-3, 299 lbs., Michigan defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is considered a bit undersized for his position. But his energy in pursuit and quickness give him a high probability of hearing his name called on day two of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jenkins recorded 37 total tackles last season at Michigan, with a career high of 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He managed to create two turnovers in 2023 as well, with one interception and one fumble recovery.
Jenkins is projected to go around 50th overall in the second round, with the Carolina Panthers looking like the frontrunners to select him 52nd overall. Kris's father played in the NFL from 2001 to 2010, including seven seasons with the Panthers.
Carolina also needs help on defense, particularly on the defensive line. Jenkins could be an excellent addition as they continue to attempt to rebuild on that side of the ball.
#5. Blake Corum, RB
Michigan running back Blake Corum was a massive part of the team's success last season and is likely to hear his name called during day two of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Corum has a massive sample size from the last two seasons and possesses outstanding balance and the ability to help in pass blocking.
His game requires some improvement when getting into the second level of the defense, but he should find a spot on an NFL roster as a RB2 or RB3.
Last season, Corum led the NCAA in rushing touchdowns with 27 and led the Big Ten in yards from scrimmage with 1,362. He is a capable pass catcher and has shown he can manage a large volume of carries during his time at Michigan.
Corum could be selected in the late second round or potentially fall into the early third round. The Dallas Cowboys could be a suitable team for Corum after losing their starting back from last season, Tony Pollard, to the Tennessee Titans.
Which Michigan player do you think will be taken first in day two of the 2024 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below.
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