Michigan Football: 5 Wolverines with first-round NFL draft potential

Jalen Mayfield

If you check out some of the early 2021 NFL mock drafts, there is a good chance that you will see Mayfield listed as the 6-foot-5 offensive tackle is getting a lot of buzz from NFL draft experts.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper mentioned that there is some projection with Mayfield, who started 13 games at right tackle for Michigan football last season. Mayfield has played a total of 16 career games and will enter the 2020 season as a redshirt sophomore.

There has been chatter about him moving to the left side, because of his skill set, but Ryan Hayes may start on the left side. Either way, tackles who can play on either side of the ball carry a lot of value. Bryan Bulaga, a former Iowa tackle is one guy that comes to mind. He started his career as a left tackle and ended up on the right side.

Mayfield has that kind of potential. He can be stellar in pass protection and held up well against Chase Young of Ohio State. He will get plenty of chances to prove himself this season, but don’t be surprised if he’s Harbaugh’s second O-lineman picked in round one.