The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away, and prospective Michigan players are ready to see where they will continue their football careers. For some Wolverines, they won't have to wait long until they get the ever-important phone call, as they are first-round prospects. Last year, Michigan only had one player selected in the first round, while this year, that number could double.
Both defensive tackle Mason Graham and tight end Colston Loveland are looking to be first-round draft picks, and NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah seems to agree. In his latest ranking of the top 150 prospects in the NFL Draft, Jeremiah has ranked both Graham and Loveland in the Top 10, making them very desirable picks.
Jeremiah has Graham coming in as the fourth overall pick, just behind Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, and Ashton Jeanty. Loveland is a little further down at No. 7 behind fellow tight end Tyler Warren out of Penn State.
Michigan's offensive and defensive stars prove the program's elite versatility
Both players being ranked in the Top 10 is great, but it is even better that both are also slated to be selected in the first round. Even after a down year in 2024, Michigan is proving it can still produce elite talent to the NFL, making its program one that top recruits want to attend.
Graham has been a top prospect for quite some time now, as he has spent all three years of his college career with the Wolverines. Forgoing his final year of eligibility truly marks how great this kid is. In the 2024 season, Graham was a part of a Michigan defense that kept it together for the Wolverines in many games. He recorded 46 total tackles, 24 solo tackles, one pass defended, and a career high 3.5 sacks.
Right now, Graham is predicted to be taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 5 pick, which makes sense with how much the Jags love to take defensive linemen in the first round. The Jags certainly need help on the offensive side of the ball, keeping star quarterback Trevor Lawrence protected, but if the defense can't keep up with the offense and get stops, what is the point?
Graham has the ability to start on the line for the Jags next season as the defense needs the help. Now, if for some reason Graham isn't selected by the Jags, he could slide to the Chicago Bears, who are looking to upgrade their defense to stay with Caleb Williams this season. Graham's burst on the line and great leverage to get out of blocks are what make him such a desirable draft pick this year.
As for Loveland, he is one of two tight ends in this year's draft who could go in the first round. Warren out of Penn State will most likely be selected as the first tight end, but Loveland is a great No. 2 choice for other teams in need of a great pass catcher. The tight end position is becoming more and more prevalent in today's NFL game as they are now truly being used more than just for blocking.
What makes Loveland such a great pick is his quickness for his size and ability for the big play, according to Jeremiah. While his size may not give as much of a blocking ability as a player like Warren, Loveland has great ball awareness and an explosive nature on the snap into his routes.
It is looking like the Indianapolis Colts are in on taking a tight end and are between Loveland and Warren. If the Colts end up taking Warren, the Denver Broncos have the No. 20 pick and could really use a great pass-catching tight end for young Bo Nix.
Both players seem to have the first-round potential, only speaking volumes about the program at Michigan. Tune into the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, to see the first round begin at 8:00 p.m. EST and can be watched on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network with a valid FuboTV subscription.