Michigan Football 2025 NFL Draft Projections: Expert predicts when Donovan Edwards, Will Johnson, and Co. will hear their names called
The Michigan Wolverines romped through an undefeated season on their way to the national title in 2023. Much of it was done without the elite talent we see regularly coming from programs such as Alabama or Ohio State. The Wolverines relied on great coaching, high football intellect, and players of character.
The program must replace its head coach, starting quarterback, and a half-dozen offensive linemen who have all graduated to the NFL. Yet they bring back a lot of talent and a terrific coach who came through when the team had its back against the wall.
Michigan football 2025 NFL Draft preview
The strength of the Wolverines' next-level prospects can be found on the defensive side of the ball, where the team has three potential first-rounders, including a pair of linemen.
Kenneth Grant, Mason Graham, and Will Johnson - First impressions
Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham are a pair of dominant tackles on the inside of the Wolverines' defensive line. They have different styles and different next-level projections.
Grant is large, athletic, and can take over the action. He’s just as comfortable chasing the action in pursuit as he is penetrating the backfield to make plays behind the line.
Graham is not as large or as athletic, but he’s much more polished and is incredibly strong for his size. Grant has more upside, yet Smith is more NFL-ready to this point. I believe both players project as late first-round picks.
Will Johnson will be the next top cornerback to come from the Michigan program, as he shows the ability to consistently shut down the opposition’s best wideout. Johnson is fluid, fast, and feisty. He needs to polish his game, as Johnson shows hesitation in his transition off the line, which puts him behind opponents.
Colston Loveland, Rod Moore, and Donovan Edwards: Way-too-early preview for 2025
Tight end Colston Loveland is the top Wolverines prospect from the scoring side of the ball, and he could be a first-round selection depending on his testing numbers. Loveland is a tall target who makes plays all over the field and possesses naturally soft hands.
Only a junior, word at this point is that Loveland will enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
I’ve been very high on safety Rod Moore and grade him higher than most NFL scouts. In my opinion, Moore is a complete center fielder who can comfortably play over the slot receiver when necessary.
Donovan Edwards now takes over as the Wolverines' feature ball carrier with Blake Corum playing on Sundays. Edwards is an explosive ball carrier who consistently picks up huge chunks of yardage from the line of scrimmage. He’s also an exceptional pass catcher who often lines up on the flanks.
Late-round prospect steal: Kalel Mullings
Keep an eye out for running back Kalel Mullings, who is well-liked in the scouting community. The big back didn’t see the ball too much last season behind Corum and Edwards, but he offers a lot of potential as a downhill, interior ball carrier and compares to former Wolverines back Hassan Haskins, a fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2022.
Michigan football NFL Draft projections: 'Next-Level' prospects for 2025
Here are my early projections for Michigan at the 2025 NFL Draft: