Michigan Football: Grading the selections of each Wolverine drafted

The 2021 NFL draft was a smashing success for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football coming off a dismal 2-4 campaign. 

In total, eight Michigan football players were selected this weekend in Cleveland, even including a long snapper. The repercussions from the NFL draft are positive for a program that has been struggling to find one lately.

With all the departures due to the draft and transfer portal, this shows that Harbaugh is still doing something right by getting his players to take the next step in their football careers.

Here’s a grade each for Michigan football draft pick.

Kwity Paye-Indianapolis (B)

Paye’s story is well-known by now and his work ethic will give him a chance to be a star in Indy. The Colts lacked pass rush and Paye will get the best shot to become a household name in the pros off the edge.

Jalen Mayfield-Atlanta (B+)

Mayfield fills a major need for a team that has to protect Matt Ryan better. He might kick inside to guard depending on how the Falcons choose to use him. Either way, this is a wise choice for an organization that needs more bodies in the trenches.

Nico Collins-Houston (A-)

With DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller gone, Collins fills a void left by those two tall, rangy pass catchers. Whoever is throwing him the ball will love the way he can go up in the air and come down with those high, unreachable passes.

Ambry Thomas-San Francisco (C+)

Thomas comes in as a backup looking to work his way up the depth chart. Not playing last year may make him a little rusty early on, but Thomas can make up for lost time with more of what he showed at Michigan in 2019. Mirroring a veteran in his young profession could do wonders for him in the long run.

Cam McGrone-New England (C-)

Many will say that McGrone left too early and wasn’t ready for this moment. However, he lucked out by landing in a prime position to learn under the tutelage of Bill Belicheck. He’ll have to climb the ladder of a very deep group at linebacker to do so.

Ben Mason-Baltimore (A)

Mason going to the Ravens is a typical John Harbaugh pick. If things work out for Mason and he can beat out Patrick Ricard in time, then it will be a surprise to none that he can be the best fullback in the league sooner rather than later.

Chris Evans-Cincinnati (C)

Evans can join the Bengals as a third-down option. He landed in a good spot with an offense that is on the rise. If he can somehow carve out a role for himself, then the better the staying power he has in the league.

Cameron Cheeseman-Washington (B)

Since no long snapper is listed on Washington’s depth chart, then Cheeseman will have an opportunity to see action from day one. There’s not much more that you can ask for as a long snapper.