The Michigan Wolverines are expected to have at least eight players picked in the upcoming NFL Draft, though as many as 12 or 14 of Michigan's 16 draft-eligible players are expecting to hear their names called over the course of the weekend.
Where are all of those players expected to be drafted? Here's Chat Sports' projections:
1ST ROUND
Taco Charlton, DE - Pick #21 (Detroit Lions)
The Lions are expected to upgrade their front seven in the first round, and Charlton's pass-rushing ability - plus his athleticism that has some scouts thinking the can play outside linebacker - make him a good fit. There's a chance he'll be off the board before this, but if not, the Lions will scoop him up.
Jabrill Peppers, SS - Pick #28 (Dallas Cowboys)
With Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox gone, the Cowboys need a new strong safety. That's what Peppers is going to be in the NFL. He still needs work in coverage, but the presence of Byron Jones helps that. He'll also be able to help in the return game, and don't be surprised if Dallas finds ways to try to use him on offense, too.
2ND ROUND
Jake Butt, TE
Butt is either a late second- or early third-round pick by most measures, with many projecting him to be in the third round due to the torn ACL he suffered in the Orange Bowl. However, he was the best tight end in the country this past year, and some team who misses out on O.J. Howard and David Njoku will grab him at the end of the second round.
3RD ROUND
Chris Wormley, DL
Wormley should expect to go early in the third round because of his versatility and ability to play anywhere along the defensive line. He will provide a team with major value at the end of Day Two.
Amara Darboh, WR
Outside of the top three receivers in the draft (Mike Williams, Corey Davis, John Ross), Darboh is in a group of six-to-eight receivers that could go immediately after them. A team that needs a big receiver (Titans?) would love if he fell to them in the third round.
Jourdan Lewis, CB
Lewis would have been a second-rounder if not for a certain off-field incident that hasn't been been resolved yet, and that could cause him to fall even lower than this. I still expect him to find a home before the end of the second day because of how teams value nickel corners.
4TH ROUND
Erik Mangnuson, OT
This class is extremely weak at tackle, but Magnuson is a right tackle that could be a starter at the position for the next several years. Though inconsistent in run blocking, he's great at pass blocking.
Ryan Glasgow, DT
Glasgow hasn't done in the pre-draft process to really affect his draft stock either way, but he did say that many teams were impressed with him in interviews. Expect him to go in the top half of the fourth round.
5TH ROUND
Ben Gedeon, LB
Gedeon could go earlier thanks to a great combine, but I think this is where he falls. He needs work in coverage, but him putting up more bench reps than anyone else at the combine show just how strong he is. He could find a role as a two-down linebacker in the league.
6TH ROUND
Ben Braden, OG
Braden will likely play guard at the NFL level, and while he doesn't have the expectation of being a high pick, his strength and toughness will make sure he stays on a roster.
Delano Hill, FS
Hill's pre-draft workouts took him from being a fringe player to someone who really expects to hear his name called. He'll likely have to earn his place in the league on special teams.
Jeremy Clark, CB
Clark is going to be drafted for one reason - size. Teams love having big cornerbacks, and he's certainly one of them, checking in a 6-foot-3 and 221 lbs.
Jehu Chesson, WR
There might be a chance that Chesson goes undrafted. There's a chance that he goes early in the fourth round or even at the end of the third. He plays faster than his 40-time indicates, though he still ran well for his size. Someone will take a flyer on his upside.
7TH ROUND
Channing Stribling, CB
Stribling will still be drafted, but he really hurt his stock at the combine. His 40-time (4.6 seconds) was among the slowest at the NFL Combine for his position, and his vertical was terrible.
De'Veon Smith, RB
Smith isn't the fastest back and was inconsistent with his production at Michigan. However, there is the potential for him to be a bruising short-yardage back will get him drafted.
Kenny Allen, P
The second-ranked punter in the class by CBS Sports should hear his name called, likely at the very end of the round.
UNDRAFTED
Kyle Kalis, OG
Matthew Godin, DT
Dymonte Thomas, SS
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