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

Another LB with first-round potential

Michigan hasn’t really had skill position players on either side of the ball go early in the draft, but the Wolverines have had a number of defenders go, especially on the first two levels of the defense, depending if you count Peppers as a linebacker or safety.

Bush, who put together a stellar rookie year with Pittsburgh last season, has probably been the best Michigan football player under Harbaugh and as hard as it was to replace him, the Wolverines found another impact defender in Cameron McGrone.

McGrone didn’t become a starter until Josh Ross went down to injury, which makes you wonder what coaches were thinking. But when he got his opportunity, he made the most of it, finishing with 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was disruptive and also added five quarterback hits to go along with a pass breakup and a forced fumble.

At 6-foot-1, 232 pounds, the redshirt sophomore has unique skills like Bush and the potential to be an effective three-down defender in the NFL. McGrone isn’t Bush, but if he can put together a full-season of production like he had a year ago, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him bolt for the NFL or be among the first 32 guys selected next April.