On Tuesday morning, Dane Bugler of The Athletic published his first 2024 NFL Draft big board, which included 100 players. The following six Michigan Wolverines were selected in that order:
24 No. No. 4 quarterback, J.J. McCarthy
Brief MnB reflections: This seems to be the ideal location. J.J. McCarthy is widely believed to be in the race for the “best of the rest” in a deep quarterback draft, following the big three of Caleb Williams of USC, Drake Maye of UNC, and Jayden Daniels of LSU.
Junior Colson, No. 39 (No. 1 LB)
Brief MnB reflections: Junior Colson might be selected in the first round of the draft in a poor linebacker draft. Colson is huge for his position at 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, and he moves like a deer. His value will only increase going forward.
45. Wilson, Roman (No. 9 WR)
Brief MnB reflections: A few weeks ago, Roman Wilson emerged as one of the Senior Bowl’s major winners. Wilson is projected as a marginal first-round pick in multiple mock drafts, even in the deepest wide receiver draft in recent years.
Not 60 CB Mike Sainristil (number nine)
Brief MnB reflections: Mike Sainristil’s video will be his greatest ally, but his size will always be his biggest obstacle. Sainristil’s worth has skyrocketed in comparison to five years ago, as an increasing number of NFL base defenses now include a fifth defensive back.
66th No. Kris Jenkins, the fifth DT
Brief MnB reflections: Following the NFL Combine, Kris Jenkins might become one of the stars in the making. Jenkins, who goes by “The Mutant” due to his incredible strength and agility, may be the least likely candidate in Bugler’s future predictions.
73 No. RB Blake Corum (number two)
Brief MnB reflections: Over the past five years, no position in the NFL has been devalued quite like running back. Even in a weak running back class, Blake Corum’s size and injury history make it unlikely that he will make it past the first two rounds. But a great performance in Indianapolis, particularly in the 40-yard dash, might see him selected as the first running back overall.
All-American right guard Zak Zinter was the lone conspicuous absentee, and it’s likely that he was left off primarily because of his season-ending injury against Ohio State. Zinter should still be ranked among the top 100 players in this draft despite having a strong medical report at the NFL Combine.
