ESPN, among other publications, have been releasing new 2024 NFL mock drafts on a weekly basis. On Monday, Matt Miller with ESPN released his two-round NFL mock draft. There were four Michigan football players mocked in the first two rounds. One Wolverine went in the first round and three were taken in the second round.
First up was Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Miller had McCarthy going No. 13 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. New head coach Antonio Pierce now has full control of the team, and the Raiders are certainly looking for their new signal caller. McCarthy would appear to have an inside track of starting for Las Vegas if he would be selected to go there. McCarthy would have to contend with former Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell — who started the last part of the season.
QB. J.J. McCarthy – Pick No. 13 – Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have a new general manager in Tom Telesco and must make finding a long-term quarterback the priority of the 2024 offseason (free agent signing Jimmy Garoppolohas not worked out). McCarthy, who started two years at Michigan, just turned 21 and has the requisite tools to be that player. He’s mobile and tough as nails, and scouts praise his arm strength and ability to make difficult throws in big situations. He has thrown only 44 touchdown passes in college to nine interceptions and compared to the other top quarterbacks in this class, he’s by far the least-experienced thrower. But his potential and ceiling have him worthy of a top-15 selection.
Moving to the second round, defensive lineman Kris Jenkins came off the board at No. 47 to the New York Giants. Jenkins has elite talent and is able to line up at different positions. He has the quickness to line up at Edge if needed and has the power to play five-tech. Jenkins is an intriguing prospect that will catch the eyes of many NFL teams.
DL Kris Jenkins – Pick No. 47 – New York Giants
Trading Leonard Williams to the Seahawks landed the Giants this pick but also left a need for an interior penetrator next to nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II. Jenkins moved all over the Michigan defensive line and ended up playing more 5-technique in 2023, but his flashes of burst and power have me thinking his best football is still coming, once he’s able to shoot gaps and make plays in the backfield. Despite not being freed up to attack as a pass-rusher, Jenkins still finished with 16 pressures and 2.5 sacks in 2023.
The pick after Jenkins, Miller has the Jaguars selecting speedster Roman Wilson. Wilson had a tremendous Senior Bowl practice and he is rapidly shooting up NFL big boards. Wilson was the top target for J.J. McCarthy this past season and scored 12 times. Wilson has some burners and teams like the Jaguars are looking for a guy that can go over the top of defenses.
WR Roman Wilson – Pick No. 48 – Jacksonville Jaguars
If the Jaguars re-sign Calvin Ridley to a new contract this offseason, this pick goes to the Falcons. But for now, we’re keeping it in Jacksonville and using it on a wide receiver to help quarterback Trevor Lawrence on the outside. Wilson had a fantastic Senior Bowl week and showcased his top-tier agility and hands. In a Michigan offense that didn’t throw the ball a ton, Wilson had 48 catches in 2023 but scored 12 touchdowns with those opportunities. His toughness and quickness would fit in the Jaguars’ offense perfectly.
The final Wolverine to go in the second round was linebacker Junior Colson to the Eagles. Philadelphia will be looking to shore up its defense — linebacker in particular. Colson is a sure-tackler that led Michigan in tackles in back-to-back seasons. Colson should make for a solid NFL linebacker for years to come.
LB Junior Colson – Pick No. 53 – Philadelphia Eagles
If you watched the Eagles’ collapse late this season, the lack of talent and depth at linebacker was a key issue. Colson is the best run-defending linebacker in the class but also has excellent range to make plays outside the tackle box. He had 101 tackles manning the middle of the field for Michigan and has a game very similar to the Chiefs’ Nick Bolton. In Philly, he could be a rookie starter and cornerstone defensive player.
