Projecting Michigan Football’s wide receiver depth chart

X Receiver

1. Cornelius Johnson
2. Daylen Baldwin
3. Andrel Anthony

Cornelius Johnson emerged as a playmaker in 2020 after catching only four passes as a true freshman. He had 16 catches for 254 yards and a team-leading three TDs. The Wolverines will need him to be more consistent in the fall as there were two games in which he was held without a catch.

The good news for Johnson is that fellow third-year classmate Cade McNamara was leading the QB race following spring practice.

It looks like Johnson and McNamara have developed a rapport and are very comfortable working together. Johnson enjoyed his breakout game against Rutgers after McNamara replaced Joe Milton, finishing with five catches for 105 yards and two TDs. Johnson has the frame of a prototypical X receiver at 6-foot-3 205 pounds. The key for him will be consistently creating separation so he can make things easier on himself and not have to rely on winning jump balls.

Entering this offseason, Johnson was the only big target with game experience that Michigan returned for this season. That is why the addition of transfer Daylen Baldwin was such a big addition for the Wolverines.

Baldwin had 27 catches for 540 yards (20 YPC) and seven TDs this spring for Jackson State. He has the size and speed combination that could make him an NFL prospect in the future.

However, between the jump up in competition and learning the Wolverines playbook, I’m projecting Baldwin behind Johnson at this point. The two of them could line up together, particularly when the Wolverines enter the red zone.

Andrel Anthony had a productive spring and showed promising flashes for a freshman. However, he is also only 180 pounds right now.

With Michigan football having a few experienced options ahead of him, the additional time to bulk up and strengthen his frame will benefit him and the Wolverines down the line.