Michigan Football: The 12 Wolverine draft candidates for 2021

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Day 1: Round 1

Ambry Thomas

Ambry Thomas has the leadership many NFL scouts look for, he has speed, maybe not 4.3 speed, but close. He has swagger. He has the it factor.

All of that will mold into the famous year that Ambry Thomas led the Wolverines as an absolute shut-down defensive back. Clip after clip of highlight-reel interceptions, defending the undefendable, and impossible deflections.

I mean, the guy had colitis and was back in no time. Nothing will stop him from becoming the next UM first-round draft pick.

Thomas will be one of the greatest when it’s all said and done.

Who will stay? And where will they be drafted if they go?

Aidan Hutchinson is already a viable late-round draft candidate and, if eligible, would have graded out as one of the top-end Wolverine guys from 2019. That grade will skyrocket in 2020, but Aidan will likely stick around to maximize his draft stock and ensure he’s a second or third-round pick instead of sliding to the third day.

Chuck Filiaga should start on the offensive line will test the waters but he will ultimately stay for a final season as a fifth-year, becoming a leader on the line and eventual day two or three selection. If he leaves next year, assuming he’s a starter, he should slip in somewhere in the sixth or seventh round.

Dylan McCaffrey or Joe Milton are the frontrunners for the QB gig and both have enough weapons and skill to find their way towards the bottom of several draft boards. Another year could never hurt, however, and that’s what one will do. The other will head for the transfer portal.

If the starter goes, a late sixth-round pick to a UDFA contract is what’s in their future.