Michigan Football: Braiden McGregor will be next great edge defender

Michigan football commit Braiden McGregor is a defensive end, but coaches have talked to him about a position change that would be perfect.

Michigan football‘s 10-3 win over Iowa last Saturday wasn’t necessarily the prettiest win in recent memory for the Wolverines, but for some, it was certainly entertaining.

After all, it took an incredible effort for the defense to hold on for the win and when it was all said and done, the Wolverines forced four turnovers, intercepted Nate Stanley three times and sacked him a total of eight.

Kwity Paye was a huge driving force behind the win but another edge defender that has been stellar this season is Josh Uche, a guy that plays the SAM linebacker position, which is sort of a hybrid between a defensive end and an outside linebacker.

Calling Uche an edge defender is definitely accurate but after he leaves, it’s fair to ask who might fill his shoes?

Finding guys that can rush the pass, defend the run and play both with their hand in the dirt and standing up can be difficult. However, it looks like Michigan football believes it has found its guy in defensive end Braiden McGregor.

The Port Huron product committed to the Wolverines over the summer and the four-star recruit was at the Big House to watch Michigan take down Iowa. Here’s what he said about it:

“I thought the defense controlled the game. I know Kwity (Paye) had a huge game with several sacks, which was wild. They just dominated, which was really great to see.”

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound McGregor is a freak. In addition to playing defensive end, the fourth-ranked strong-side defensive end in 2020 and No. 104 player overall, is also a very skilled tight end.

McGregor is ferocious on defense but he’s equally dominant when he goes up to get the ball and watching his athleticism is what makes me believe he will be a dominant edge defender. He also said UM coaches were talking about him filling a role similar to that of Uche. This is according to the Michigan Insider ($):

"“Coach Brown actually said they might even have me at SAM, outside linebacker and take Josh Uche’s spot. I’m good with whatever, but they like me everywhere (laughter). I just said whatever gets me on the field early, I’ll do. It was exciting to hear and I’m in favor of whatever as long as it helps the team and helps me get on the field early. I’m just excited to get there and get working.”"

When you watch his high school highlights, you can see McGregor play in a standing up position and that would help ease that transition. He knows how to use his hands and he shows natural instincts to play standing up.

He’s also a skilled pass rusher and is certainly versatile enough to hold the point of attack as a traditional defensive end.

No matter how McGregor is used, he’s a force to be reckoned with and while Saturday’s win might have impressed few nationally, it seemed to impress McGregor and that’s important.