Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from the NFL combine

The 2025 NFL combine wasn't as Michigan football-centric as the year prior. It involved half of what the 2024 national championship team represented. Top targets from elsewhere decided to skip the workouts and showcase themselves at their school's respective pro days. Here are some of the takeaways from this year's extravaganza.

1. Injuries ravaged Michigan's stars

Nine Wolverines were invited to Indianapolis over the weekend to improve their draft stock. About half of them missed the event because they were nursing injuries. Colston Loveland and Will Johnson were the first round headliners out, while day two prospects Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart did not compete for similar reasons.

Mason Graham lifted but didn't do anything else besides meet with teams at the top of the draft. He made his comments about his Ohio State tape well-known, too.

Kalel Mullings got measured, but didn't partake in the festivities either. Myles Hinton didn't run the 40 yard dash, but took part in the drills. Long snapper William Wagner was the lone special teamer for the Wolverines participating. March 21st will be Michigan's pro day and the league will be in town to focus on the players that I mentioned above and a few others who were not on the invitation list.

For the Wolverines who are not locks to get drafted, they'll have to have the best agents in the business who can provide that meal ticket for them in April.

2. NFL franchises arranged multiple meetings with Michigan's finest

With so much top heavy talent to choose from, NFL clubs were lining up to visit with Michigan's brass at the combine. Mason Graham was one of the most popular prospects at the gathering. He reportedly met with just about every top 10 organization except the Titans. Lance Zierlein of NFL network did a mock draft that featured Graham lasting until pick 11 to San Francisco. That feels so absurd and disrespectful to Graham and all of his supporters.

Will Johnson sat down with the Raiders, Steelers, 49ers, and Bengals, according to those on Twitter. His range is fluctuating right now. Someone exclaimed that he has not played his best football yet, and to be honest, there may be some truth to that statement.

Colston Loveland penned a letter saying that he'll be ready for the start of training camp. During his time at the podium, Loveland said that the Rams gave him a survey, but did not catch up with any of their coaches. Surprisingly he didn't talk with the Chargers, but reunited with his former coach.

Kenneth Grant will be a site to behold at Michigan's pro day. The defensive tackle could have been the strongest on the bench in the weight room, had he repped the 225 pound benchmark. When March 21st rolls around, there will be clips that go viral for how fast he runs at his larger than life size.

3. Donovan Edwards aced the combine test

The decorated back who accomplished so much in a Michigan football uniform blew up his workout on Saturday. He ran well, benched more than anybody at the position, and made himself some money, even though the draft is over a month away. He was the only Wolverine who was injured that performed at the combine.

Critics will bash him for not putting up more stats at Michigan. When the spotlight was on him, he made plays, just not enough to warrant a day one or two pick. In a draft class with Ashton Jeanty, Cam Skattebo, Omarion Hampton and more, Edwards will have to continue to find ways to separate himself so he doesn't wind up going undrafted.

As others have stated, Edwards could fill a role as a pass-catching back in the pros. Michigan's coaches never really utilized him in that spot. That option is being used a lot more often in today's offensive game plans.