hero-image

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.

Kenneth Grant; Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Kenneth Grant; Syndication: Detroit Free Press

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.

Mason Graham lifting the Rose Bowl after defeating Alabama; Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Mason Graham lifting the Rose Bowl after defeating Alabama; Syndication: Detroit Free Press

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; Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Will Johnson; Syndication: Detroit Free Press

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.

NCAA Football: CFP National Championship-Washington at Michigan
NCAA Football: CFP National Championship-Washington at Michigan

Only a junior, word at this point is that Loveland will enter the 2025 NFL Draft.

Rod Moore; Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Rod Moore; Syndication: Detroit Free Press

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; Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Donovan Edwards; Syndication: Detroit Free Press

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

Kalel Mullings at the CFP National Championship -Washington at Michigan
Kalel Mullings at the CFP National Championship -Washington at Michigan

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:

Michigan Next-level NFL Draft Prospects

Grade

Rnd

Pos

Full Name

Yr

#

4.07

1st

DT

Kenneth Grant

3Jr

78

4.05

1st

CB

Will Johnson

3Jr

2

3.99

1st

DT

Mason Graham

3Jr

55

3.85

2nd

S

Rod Moore

4Sr

19

3.81

2nd

TE

Colston Loveland

3Jr

18

3.79

3rd

RB

Donovan Edwards

4Sr

7

3.65

3rd

OLB

Derrick Moore

3Jr

8

3.47

5th

OLB

Ernest Hausmann

3Jr

15

3.45

5th

OLB

Jaishawn Barham

4Jr

1

3.42

5th

T

Myles Hinton

5Sr

78

3.34

6th

RB

Kalel Mullings

5Sr

20

3.31

6th

DE

Josaiah Stewart

4Sr

5

3.25

FA

FB

Max Bredeson

4Jr

44

3.17

FA

S

Makari Paige

5Sr

7

3.00

FA

G

Josh Priebe

5Sr

68

2.89

FA

S

Quinten Johnson

5Sr

28

You may also like