Michigan had the most 2024 selections in the NFL Draft. The Wolverines saw 13 players get selected, and while Michigan didn’t beat Georgia’s record of 15 players selected, the Wolverines did have a program high. The maize and blue had J.J. McCarthy become a top-10 pick by the Minnesota Vikings and two players were selected in the second round.
ESPN’s draft analyst Matt Miller came out with his top-100 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft. When ranking the picks, Miller looked at the value of the pick, the need, the scheme fit, and what the player brings to the team.
When looking at his rankings, there were six Wolverines who made the list.
Miller’s No. 19 best — J.J. McCarthy — Minnesota Vikings Rd. 1 Pick No. 10
When looking at the value of this pick, yes, the Vikings slightly reached. But when adding the context that they didn’t panic and trade up into the top five picks for McCarthy, this grades out much better. McCarthy is pro-ready coming out of Jim Harbaugh’s system and enters an offense with a ready-made infrastructure for a young passer. The offense has great skill players, a talented offensive line and a savvy playcaller. The scheme fit is ideal.
Trent’s opinion: Feels a little low for McCarthy, but part of that could be for my Vikings’ fandom. Minnesota was in desperate need to find its next franchise QB after not signing Kirk Cousins to a new contract. Not only did McCarthy basically fall into the Vikings’ lap, but Minnesota was able to get him as QB No. 5. The Vikings and McCarthy fit feels perfect.
Miller’s No. 28 best — Junior Colson — Los Angeles Chargers Rd. 3 Pick No. 69
One of my favorite players in the class is reunited with his college coach (Jim Harbaugh) while also filling one of the key team needs on this Chargers roster. Colson will quickly slide into the starting lineup, and it speaks to Harbaugh’s trust in him that he selected his former college ‘backer in the third round. Colson was a player I thought had late-first-round potential, so the value in this pick is elite. He has great range and totaled 101 tackles last season.
Trent’s opinion: The Chargers got fantastic value from the three-year Michigan linebacker. Colson is an elite tackler and going right back into a Jesse Minter led defense, Colson should become an instant starter. He led Michigan in tackles in 2022 and ’23. Los Angeles has a player that will make fans extremely happy with a third-round selection.
Miller’s No. 33 best — Roman Wilson — Pittsburgh Steelers Rd. 3 pick No. 84
When the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson this offseason, a hole appeared at slot receiver. In the third round, the front office drafted an excellent option there. Wilson will get tough yards and has enough juice with the ball in his hands to keep defenses honest. He’s also a reliable punt returner. Throw him into the starting lineup with George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth, and the Steelers have a trio of pass-catchers to build an offense around.
Trent’s opinion: As Miller mentioned the Steelers got rid of Diontae Johnson, so there is an opening for a Day 1 starter. Roman Wilson has a really high ceiling in the NFL and I’m not sure Michigan truly ever got it out of Wilson in college. Wilson was the No. 1 option this past year in Ann Arbor and he showed that by scoring 12 TDs.
Miller’s No. 46 best — Michael Barrett — Carolina Panthers Rd. 7 Pick No. 240
I will never understand how or why Barrett fell to the seventh round after he put out fantastic tape as a two-down linebacker at Michigan. He is a little on the short side at 5-foot-11, but he’s powerful and consistently made great plays against the run in the Big Ten. At a minimum, the Panthers will get fantastic special-teams play from Barrett.
Trent’s opinion: I fully agree with Miller here: how does a player like Michael Barrett slip to the seventh round? Barrett has great leadership and he’s been around the game of football for quite awhile now. He leaves Michigan as the most-winningest player and absolutely will carve out some sort of role in Carolina.
Miller’s No. 79 best — Mike Sainristil — Washington Commanders Rd. 2 Pick No. 50
Washington had one of this year’s best draft classes, and the selection of Sainristil was a big part of it. The versatile Michigan defensive back should be a Day 1 starter at the nickel cornerback spot. He has Mike Hilton-like upside and could be one of the NFL’s best nickels in short order. He picked off six passes last season.
Trent’s opinion: Mike Sainristil is a flat-out winner and will do whatever the team needs him to do in order to win. He moved from receiver to corner two season’s ago and Sainristil didn’t skip a beat in doing so. In fact, he became one of the best Michigan defensive players and the Commanders got a steal in round two. Got to think he would be higher than No. 79 on Miller’s list.
Miller’s No. 93 — AJ Barner — Seattle Seahawks Rd. 4 Pick No. 121
Seattle has Noah Fant as the starting tight end, and while the veteran is a good player, he is not an in-line option. Barner will take over that role, where his expertise as a run blocker fits with new coach Mike MacDonald’s style of football. Barner has more upside as a pass-catcher than he showed in college, making him one of my favorite offensive breakout candidates from Day 3.
Trent’s opinion: Barner did a fantastic job coming in as a transfer from Indiana. He made an immediate impact as TE No. 2 behind Colston Loveland. Teams had to prepare for Barner’s ability to catch the ball, but they also knew Barner was a solid blocker as well. This fit, like McCarthy’s with Minnesota, feels like a really good one.
