Insider notes on Michigan's Will Johnson, Colston Loveland, Kenneth Granth, and Mason Graham's 2025 Draft intentions: The road to the NFL begins
Less than a season after going undefeated on their way to a national championship, the wolverines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Michigan Wolverines find themselves struggling. Yet none of this is unexpected; after beating Washington in the national title game, their head coach, entire offensive line, starting receivers, top running back and quarterback J.J. McCarthy left for the NFL.
In April, the Wolverines had two underclassmen enter the draft. That number is likely to double next year.
Multiple sources tell me four Michigan underclassmen will enter the 2025 NFL Draft. The list includes cornerback Will Johnson, tight end Colston Loveland, and defensive tackles Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham.
All four project as top-42 prospects and multiple Wolverines will end up in the first round.
4 Michigan Underclassmen will enter 2025 NFL Draft
#1 Will Johnson leads the pack
Johnson will likely be the first cornerback off the board in next year’s draft and a top-12 pick. He’s a nice-sized corner who is rarely challenged by opposing quarterbacks and is always up to the task when the pass is thrown in his direction.
The junior played in six games this season, but he has been sidelined since the beginning of October with a foot injury, and his return this weekend against Indiana is questionable. During those six games, Johnson intercepted two passes and broke up three more.
#2 Colston Loveland happens to be a standout TE
Loveland is also expected to be the first player selected at his position, tight end. The junior has been the cornerstone of the Wolverines' beleaguered passing offense this season, doubling his nearest teammate in total receptions (49) with almost four times the amount of receiving yardage (523).
He’s a long pass catcher that Michigan uses in a variety of ways, lining him up as an H-back, putting him in motion, or setting him up as a traditional pass catcher.
He projects as an early second-round pick, yet he could move into the late part of Round 1 with good predraft workouts.
#3 Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham offer contrasting styles
Graham is more polished, intense, and NFL-ready. He possesses decent size and scheme versatility and gets every ounce of his ability. Graham does a great job making plays on the ball and occupying blockers, which allows teammates to make plays.
Grant is not as polished, but he has more upside. He’s a freak of nature who moves his 330-pound frame around the field like a linebacker. He overwhelms blockers to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and chases the action laterally to make plays in pursuit.
It’s fair to say that while Graham is the better player right now, Grant could develop into a better player two years down the line. Graham is expected to be a first-round selection next April and I would not be surprised the least bit if he’s joined there by Grant.
Also Read: Insider notes on Curt Cignetti's breakout season at Indiana: Big Ten dominance & 8-0 record