Michigan Football Tidbits: NFL Draft and the Wolverines picked

Michigan had only two players drafted this year. There was a serious talent shortage in Ann Arbor, and it showed on the field and on the NFL draft board. Many players who were expected to step up, especially on defense, did not, and the results just keep being hammered home: Michigan must get out and recruit talented players to wear the Maize and Blue.

Here is our take on the Michigan players:

Terrance Taylor: Drafted in round 4, pick 36, 136 overall by the Indianapolis Colts. He is a strong run stopping defensive tackle prospect. He is not very quick or explosive, does not generate much pass rush or inside push for a player as strong as he is. He needs to work on off the field things such as attitude, the mental part of the game, and also getting in better shape at the next level.

Morgan Trent: Drafted in round 6, pick 6 , 179 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. He has good straight-line speed from being a track person. His best chance is to excel at special teams and develop as a defensive back because he has had problems in coverage while at Michigan, especially in man-to-man defense. He must improve his tackling as well.

Many of the free agent players signed were either from areas the kid grew up in or had some type of connection to Michigan. Will they all make it past mini-camp and eventually make it on the 53-man NFL roster this fall? That is still to be determined right now, but some have a chance to make the practice squad.

Will Johnson: Signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He is a super strong run stopper at defensive tackle. He does not provide much inside penetration or pass rush from what we have seen, though.

Carson Butler: Signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers. He has a great combination of size and speed. More known for mental mistakes and lack of focus than utilizing his athletic ability.

Tim Jamison: Signed a free agent contract with the Houston Texans. He does not have a pro position. Not quick enough or athletic enough for defensive end. Not big enough for defensive tackle, and not athletic enough for linebacker. Best possibility would be to try outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

Brandon Harrison: Signed a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts–who seem to like taking players from Michigan.

Sean Griffin: Signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks (Mike DeBord is on their coaching staff). Who knows–maybe they are looking for a long snapper or a back-up for special teams.

Mike Massey: Signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns, his local team.

Doug Dutch: Signed a free agent contract with the Washington Redskins, his local team.

Michigan has 55 former players under contract to participate in upcoming team mini camps. An additional four NFL veterans are unsigned at this time. Hopefully, this helps with recruiting, although there is a complete change in the system. There were a lot of former Woverines in this year’s Super Bowl. How many will be on NFL rosters when the season starts this fall?

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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

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