2 Michigan football defenders are on Bronko Nagurski watch list

Michigan football is expected to have one of the best defenses in all of college football this season and two of the biggest reasons why are defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson.

Both juniors are projected first-round picks. In fact, PFF has said that Johnson and Graham likely would have been the top players drafted at their position if they were eligible for the 2024 NFL draft.

Johnson has been projected as high as No. 3 overall by ESPN in the 2025 draft. Sherrone Moore, the Michigan football head coach, has also called him the best cornerback in college football.

Graham might just be the best defensive tackle in college football. Michigan football fans will probably never forget his massive tackle for loss in overtime which put Alabama behind the chains and eventually led to a goal-line stand.

Graham made 36 tackles including 7.5 for loss and 3.0 sacks with three quarterback hurries on his way to earning All-Big Ten and All-American honors in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 318-pounder was also named to the Bronko Nagurski watch list.

The Nagurski award goes to the best defensive player in college football. It could be Graham, but could easily be Johnson, who was also nominated for the award. Johnson has had seven interceptions over the past two seasons.

Johnson intercepted a pass against Ohio State last year, stepping in front of Marvin Harrison Jr. He also had an interception in the national championship game, which led to a crucial three points for the Wolverines when they desperately needed some momentum.

Most of time, I personally don't pay much attention to these watch lists, but these Michigan football defenders could easily win the Bronko Nagurski, so it's something to keep an eye on.