The Michigan Wolverines are expected to have at least six players picked in the upcoming NFL Draft, two of which are expected to go in the first round. In ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.'s mock draft released today, both defensive end Taco Charlton and linebacker/safety Jabrill Peppers were among the top 32 picks.
Kiper has Charlton as one of the biggest risers in the draft, and has him going No. 8 overall to the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers need a pass-rusher, and Charlton has put himself in this value range. He closed the season on an absolute tear as a pass-rusher, and he doesn't just do it with speed. He offers legitimate size that you'd typically look for in a 4-3 edge defender, with length and weighing just a hair under 280 pounds.
As for Peppers, Kiper has him falling to the last pick of the first round, where he would be drafted by the New England Patriots.
Peppers is still a bit of a mystery in terms of projection -- teams are doing a lot of homework and trying to figure out how and where he'll fit. But I know a good place to land for a player who can do just about anything but just needs a coaching staff who can be creative and use his instincts. Jim Harbaugh will be doing a lot of selling on Peppers' behalf, and perhaps the Patriots will listen.
Peppers was ranked as a top 10 prospect earlier in the pre-draft process, but has dropped due to the lack of a distinct position. On the flip side, Charlton has risen from a second-round prospect to projected top 10 pick due to his physical tools and production at the end of the season.
Follow our Michigan Wolverines news page for all the latest Michigan football news!
Back to the Michigan Wolverines Newsfeed