Michigan Football: Can wide receivers reach potential in 2021?

Michigan football has a bunch of talent at the wide receiver position, but will that potential be reached this season? 

In our next position preview looking ahead to the 2021 Michigan football season, we are going to take a look at the wide receivers.

Obviously, this group would be even more exciting with Xavier Worthy. It will be tough to watch him show out with Texas, but at the same time, he’s also the kind of player that hasn’t helped Michigan have much success over the years.

Even without Worthy, the Wolverines have no shortage of talent. Ronnie Bell is back and he’s a guy who could breakout for 1,000 yards this season. Cornelius Johnson also had some productive moments and if he can do that consistently, he’ll be one of the Big Ten’s best wideouts.

Yet, it takes more than two guys and we examine the depth chart, as well as making some projections for the 2021 season.

Projected Michigan football wide receiver depth chart

Starters: Ronnie Bell, Cornelius Johnson, Daylen Baldwin, Mike Sainristil 

Backups: A.J. Henning, Roman Wilson, Andrel Anthony, Christian Dixon

With 74 receptions the past two seasons, including a team-high 402 yards last season, Bell is the top target for this offense. While he can play on the outside, he’s best attacking the middle of the field and I’d love to see him flanked by Johnson and Baldwin on the outside.

Baldwin, the Jackson State transfer, has been impressive during camp and gives the Wolverines another deep threat on the outside. Remember that Ohio State offered him a scholarship, so expect him to have an impact.

The combo of Johnson and Baldwin on the outside is exciting. Both are in the 6-foot-3 range and have a knack for making plays down the field.

But in the slot with Sainristil and A.J. Henning, the Wolverines will also be dangerous. I’m sure Bell will see plenty of snaps there too.

Roman Wilson is a former four-star recruit who flashed as a freshman and in terms of straight speed, might be the most dangerous threat to get deep. Henning and Anthony have both made a habit of making plays during camp and Henning, in particular, seems due to breakout.

As far as production, I expect Bell to catch between 60-70 passes and eclipse 1,000 yards. Johnson also has a breakout season in my opinion.

I see Johnson hauling in around 40 passes and finishing with around 700 yards, as well as 8-10 touchdowns. He’s my prediction to lead the team in touchdown receptions due to his size and ability to stretch the field.

Henning is sort of my sleeper candidate and I believe he’ll wind up third in receptions, while Baldwin will also be in the mix. Both should have a great shot of getting between 300-400 yards.

Clearly, the Wolverines are as talented as just about any receiver group in the Big Ten outside of Ohio State. But it won’t matter unless all these guys deliver on their potential.