Michigan Football: 5 Most Important Wolverines for the 2017 Season

The Michigan football team lost a lot of talent last season, but heading into 2017, the cupboard isn’t bare. Here are the five most important players returning for the Wolverines.

After a few lean years, in which very few Michigan football players were selected in the NFL draft, expect to hear UM players being called out often come draft time.

In 2016, Michigan football was highly talented. The Wolverines had one of the best defenses in the country. However, the Wolverines also had plenty of talent offensively.

Before an ACL injury, Jake Butt was looking like a first or second round pick. Michigan should have three other skill guys drafted.

Defensively, guys like Taco Charlton, Jabrill Peppers, Jourdan Lewis, Ryan Glasgow, Channing Stribling, Chris Wormley and Ben Gedeon could all get picked.

And while it will be nice to see so many Wolverines get their name called, it leaves questions about the 2017 roster.

Michigan football is still talented. Jim Harbaugh has been lights out in recruiting and there are lots of players ready to take the next step.

Yet, if Michigan is going to contend for a Big Ten championship, some will need to step up more than others.

Being a big-time program in college football, means constantly developing elite talent. Harbaugh has done well in that aspect, but he needs to continue to shine in that area.

If that happens, Michigan football can expect to contend this season. And with that in mind, here are the five most important players for the Wolverines in 2017.