Michigan football has the chance to have the most players selected in a single draft since Georgia had 15 players drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Wolverines had 18 players invited to the NFL Combine and if all of them would get selected, Michigan would then hold the record for the most players selected in a single draft.

With more and more mock drafts coming out, I thought it would be interesting to do a simulated mock draft using PFF’s mock draft simulator. I simulated all seven rounds and here are where Michigan players landed in the sim.

Round 1 (11): Minnesota Vikings select J.J. McCarthy

This has been a popular landing spot for McCarthy in recent mock drafts from the NFL experts. Minnesota will either re-sign Kirk Cousins for a year or two, or move on from the veteran. Regardless, the Vikings will be in the market for a QB in this draft. McCarthy fits with Kevin O’Connell’s scheme in Minnesota and with weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson — McCarthy could thrive with the Vikings.

Round 2 (40): Washington Commanders select Mike Sainristil

The second Wolverine off the board is nickel Mike Sainristil. He has been rising up draft boards since his great play in the College Football Playoff and he continued to help his cause in the Combine. Washington needs to shore up its pass defense after a couple of young players struggled in 2023. Veteran Kendall Fuller is a free agent and it’s not known if Washington can re-sign him.

Round 2 (42): Minnesota Vikings select Kris Jenkins

The Vikings take their second Michigan player in the draft after selecting Kris Jenkins. Minnesota will need some help stopping the run up the middle and Jenkins is a solid run stuffer. Jenkins didn’t put up massive stats — lacked sacks — but he has the ability to line up in a variety of different ways at the next level.

Round 2 (60): Buffalo Bills select Roman Wilson

The third Michigan player came off the board in the second round, and now Josh Allen gets more help after his Bills pick Roman Wilson. Wilson didn’t run as fast as he thought he might in 40-yard dash at the Combine, but we all know Wilson has some wheels. He would be able to stretch the defense in Buffalo’s system and Wilson couldn’t ask for a better QB.

Round 3 (77): Las Vegas Raiders select Junior Colson

It feels like this might be a little late in the draft for Colson, but the Raiders select the tackling machine in the third round. He is the second LB off the board and would have a chance to start in Las Vegas right away. The Raiders need a little bit of help everywhere and Colson would be a building piece for the Raiders.

Round 3 (93): Baltimore Ravens select Blake Corum

Not Jim, but John Harbaugh selects Corum. It feels like this would be a great fit for Corum with how much Baltimore enjoys running the football. The Ravens have had their share of injuries at running back — JK Dobbins primarily — and Baltimore could be looking to add a new piece to the RB rotation.

Round 5 (135): Cleveland Browns select Cornelius Johnson

No Wolverines were selected in round 4, but Johnson comes off the board right away in round 5. WR is a big need for Cleveland and it was linked to Mike Evans this offseason — but Evans re-signed with the Bucs. Johnson is the only WR selected by the Browns in this simulated mock and he could see a sizable role in Cleveland. Johnson impressed scouts with his route running and speed and has proven he can take the top off the defense (Ohio State).

Round 5 (152): Jacksonville Jaguars select Zak Zinter

Like Colson earlier, this feels a little late for Zinter, but he is coming off of a serious injury and teams could be worried about the guard. However, I think Zinter will go much higher than this in the draft and will be more like a third round pick. Whoever picks him, he has the ability to be a 15-year starter in the NFL.

Round 5 (154): Los Angeles Rams select Michael Barrett

The Rams need some corner and Edge rusher help, but it’s never a bad idea to draft a winner. Barrett is Michigan’s most-winningest player and is someone that has faced plenty of adversity. Barrett knows what it takes to fight everyday to earn a starting job and it feels like he will make a solid pro because of what he’s gone through — plus he’s very good.

Round 5 (166): Minnesota Vikings select Drake Nugent

The Vikings apparently like Michigan. Minnesota selects its third Wolverine in the draft and this time it’s center Drake Nugent. There are rumblings the Vikings are considering moving on from center Garrett Bradbury and Minnesota will be looking to add depth. A player like Nugent wouldn’t be a bad idea to take a flier on.

Round 5 (168): Green Bay Packers select LaDarius Henderson

Jon Runyan Jr. has worked out for Green Bay, so the Packers are going to look back to Michigan to help their offensive line needs. Green Bay adds LaDarius Henderson for some depth and it would give him a chance to earn a role in the NFL. Henderson played well in his one season in Ann Arbor.

Round 5 (174): New Orleans Saints select Braiden McGregor

The Saints were one of the worst pass-rushing teams in 2023 and will need to make additions in the draft. McGregor came on strong for Michigan this season and he has shown plenty of flashes of star potential. Anyone the Saints draft will have a chance to see the field next season.

Round 6 (179): Carolina Panthers select Jaylen Harrell

Like the Saints, the Panthers have some defensive line needs of their own. I’m not sure Jaylen Harrell falls to the sixth round, but if he does, this is an A+ pick at this point. Harrell was arguably the best pass rusher for Michigan in ’23.

Round 6 (183): Las Angeles Chargers select AJ Barner

Finally, we see Jim Harbaugh take a Michigan player in this sim. AJ Barner had just one year with Michigan, but he was an all around TE. Barner can put his hand in the dirt and block, or he can line up as a pass catcher. Barner is a Harbaugh guy and you could definitely see the Chargers going this route.

Round 6 (188): Arizona Cardinals select Trevor Keegan

G Trevor Keegan isn’t getting much love in the NFL Draft. Keegan was paramount in the success Michigan has had in the trenches the past few seasons. Alongside Zak Zinter, the Wolverines offensive line had two of the best guards in college football. It does sound like Keegan could slip in the draft, but he also feels like a player that could make for a long-time starting lineman.

Round 6 (214): San Francisco 49ers select Josh Wallace

The 49ers took Ronnie Bell and Jake Moody last season, and they are back looking in Ann Arbor for talent in this sim. San Francisco might look to add some secondary depth after giving up some passing yards in the playoffs. Wallace played one season with Michigan, but became a big-time starter for the Wolverines.

Round 6 (215): San Francisco 49ers select Trente Jones

San Francisco is double-dipping in the draft. One pick later, the 49ers take big Trente Jones. Jones lost his starting job in 2022, and was more of a role player to begin 2023, but injuries allowed Jones to re-enter the starting lineup and he seized control. Jones is extremely athletic and with his size, he could make for a starting NFL lineman at some point.