When Jim Harbaugh bolted for Los Angeles to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, there was little doubt that he’d be looking to bring some Wolverines with him via the NFL Draft. As it turns out, Harbaugh would play a major factor in the Chargers landing three of Harbaugh’s former players – two as draft picks, and one as an undrafted free agent.
The Chargers used their third pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to select linebacker Junior Colson, a guy who showed unbelievable toughness during his time in Ann Arbor. The 6-3, 250 pound prospect appeared in 43 games and made 36 starts at linebacker during his four-year career at Michigan. He led the team in tackles during his final two seasons, accumulating 101 total tackles in 2022 and 95 tackles in 2023.
The Chargers closed out the draft by selecting wide receiver Cornelius Johnson in the 7th round (No. 253 overall). The 6-3, 208-pound wideout was an honorable mention All-Big Ten honoree in 2023, and accounted for 47 catches for 604 yards and a touchdown during Michigan’s national championship run.
Following the draft, Harbaugh once again played in major role in the Chargers signing another Wolverine – this time offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart as an undrafted free agent. Barnhart spent five seasons with the Wolverines, appeared in 43 games and made 31 starts (nine at left tackle, two at left guard, three at right guard, and 17 at right tackle). Although Barnhart will certainly have an uphill battle as a UDFA, his versatility on the offensive line should give him a great shot at finding some longevity at the next level.
