Team Positional Rankings, Depth Chart, Predictions, 2017

Predicted 2017 Regular Season Record: 10-2 


Ranking the Units from Worst to First:


The Question Marks:

Punting
  1. Will Hart (RFr)
  2. Brad Robbins (Fr)
Bottom Line: The biggest question mark on the team is right here at punter. Who can Harbaugh rely on here? A second year preferred walk-on? A true freshman who was a signing day offer? Sure, there are other bodies out there, but none of them look like great options thus far. Luckily, Nordin could play here if needed too. But that would be asking a lot of the second-year kicker that has never attempted anything on the college playing field.

Prediction: The punting, or a lack thereof, will probably contribute to at least one loss this season. However, it will not be a total disaster and there is more than enough special teams coverage talent to keep returners at bay. Luckily, the offense will also be good enough to keep the punts under four per game, thus limiting the opportunities for big returns, blocks, or muffed balls.

Opponents That Could Make The Punters Lose Sleep: Florida K/P Returners (it's a big task in week one!); Ohio State KR Parris Campbell; Rutgers KR Janarion Grant; Indiana Hoosiers Punt Blocking

Preview Grade: D+

Cornerback
  1. Brandon Watson (RJr)
  2. David Long (So)
  3. Ambry Thomas (Fr)
  1. Keith Washington (RSo)
  2. Lavert Hill (So)
  3. Benjamin St-Juste (Fr)
  4. Drake Harris (RJr)

Bottom Line: No players returning with real starting experience here, but at least five guys who appear to be ready enough to compete on the college field. With the athleticism that is available here, this group is destined to get better with more experience.

Prediction: This group of youngsters won't get exposed as much as it would in most years due to a stellar pass-rush up front, but some big plays will be given up in the secondary. The tackling will be solid enough on the perimeter for it ever to become a complete disaster, which will be a testament to the ability of this coaching staff. In the end, this pass defense will still remain among the top units in the Big Ten, but it's hard not to imagine this group as anything but a relative weakness going into the season. And I am willing to bet that they get taken to the woodshed by at least one Big Ten passer this fall.

Opponents That Could Make The Cornerbacks Lose Sleep: Florida WR Antonio Callaway; Indiana WR's Simmie Cobbs and Nick Westbrook; Rutgers WR Janarion Grant; Penn State QB Trace McSorley

Preview Grade: C-


Kicking
  1. Quinn Nordin (RFr)
  2. Kyle Seychel (RJr)
Bottom Line: It was hard to gauge the kicking situation. Nordin could be a special talent that elevates that area to an immediate strength. It is unclear if he is ready to handle the pressure of big-time college football. Seychel is competing hard and will provide some depth. He could even take the job if Nordin is not up to the challenge. There is a lot of promise here. But contrary to my typical optimistic fan ways, I won't believe the hype until I see it.

Prediction: There will be some ups and downs, but Nordin will emerge as a real strength at the position by 2018. At least one big field goal will get missed this season, probably contributing to a loss, but there will also be a few kicks made that seemingly defy logic. There will be ups and downs. Kickoffs should be fine with Nordin booming balls through the endzone on a regular basis.

Opponents That Could Make The Kickers Lose Sleep: Ohio State PR/KR Parris Campbell; Rutgers PR/KR Janarion Grant; Maryland DE Chandler Burkett, Minnesota Kicker Emmit Carpenter

Grade: C+


Wide Receiver
  1. Kekoa Crawford (So)
  2. Mo' Ways (RJr)
  3. Nico Collins (Fr)
  1. Tarik Black (Fr)
  2. Nate Shoenle (RFr)
  3. Donovan Peoples-Jones (Fr)
  4. Nate Johnson (RFr)
  1. Grant Perry
  2. Eddie McDoom
  3. Oliver Martin (Fr)
Bottom Line: The talent level is very high among this group of players, so there is a lot of promise here. On the contrary, there are no returning starters and very little experience throughout the group. In fact, there is a grand total of 44 catches on the entire receiving corps' resume. It's anybody's guess as to how they will respond when the lights come on.

Prediction: Crawford, Black, and Shoenle are the top three guys going into fall camp. Mo' Ways and Grant Perry are right behind those three in their respective development, but things will change quickly. Perry will also be in a battle for the slot position with McDoom and Martin. Shoenle could play there as well. The coaches will utilize multiple formations and a variety of lineups to keep opponents on their toes. They will also have a lot of wrinkles drawn up to make use of some special talents and abilites.

Opponents That Could Make The Wide Receivers Lose Sleep: Florida CB Duke Dawson; Penn State CB John Reid; Indiana CB Rashard Fant; Ohio State CB Denzel Ward; Penn State S Marcus Allen

Grade: C+


Position Groups on the Rise:

Safety
  1. Tyree Kinnel (Jr)
  2. Jaylen Kelly-Powell (Fr)
  3. Brad Hawkins (Fr)
  1. Josh Metellus (So)
  2. J'Marick Woods (Fr)
  3. Tyler Cochran (RFr)
Bottome Line: Another unit that has no returning starters but do have a couple guys with experience set to take over. In fact, I see the combination of Metellus and Kinnel as a possible upgrade over Delano Hill and Dymonte Thomas. The problem is that there really isn't any depth to speak of yet. Hopefully, Kelly-Powell, Woods, and Hawkins - all freshmen - will be ready to play. Glasgow and Hudson both have some experience here too, but both guys are playing the "Viper" position these days. Watson also has the ability to play here in a pinch too, but the team really needs its younger players to step up quickly.

Prediction: Very little, if any, loss of production here overall as long as everybody stays healthy. Going into 2018 it should be the best group of safeties in the conference.

Opponents That Could Make The Safeties Lose Sleep: Penn State RB Saquon Barkley and TE Mike Gesicki; Wisconsin TE Troy Fumagalli; Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett and RB Mike Weber; Iowa RB Akrum Wadley

Grade: C+


Offensive Line
  1. LT Mason Cole (Sr)
  2. T Andrew Stueber (Fr)
  3. T JaRaymond Hall (Fr)
  1. LG Ben Bredeson (So)
  2. G Andrew Vastardis (RFr)
  1. C Patrick Kugler (5th)
  2. C Cesar Ruiz (Fr)
  1. RG Michael Onwenu (So)
  2. G Stephen Spanellis (RFr)
  3. G/T Nolan Ulizio (RSo)
  1. RT Jon Runyan Jr. (RSo)
  2. T Juwann Bushell-Beatty (RJr)
  3. T Chuck Filiaga (Fr)
  4. G/T Joel Honigford (Fr)

Bottom Line: This is a unit that has the talent and ability to be more productive than last year's group. Too many unknowns right now to rank them any higher, but the raw athleticism is there to create something great. The left side could be awesome with Cole (LT) and Bredeson (LG), both All-Conference material, protecting the backside. 5th-year senior Kugler (C) could finally be there at center too, as long as he doesn't get overtaken by the talented Ruiz. Onwenu (RG) is probably a year away from actually being great but he could still contribute to an improvement on the right side. Runyan Jr (RT) brings the most athleticism, but he still has to beat out Bushell-Beatty, who brings more size and experience. Overall, depth is better than it has been for most of the last decade, with a slew of talented underclassman. In reality, that isn't really saying much when you consider what had been developed here during the previous two coaching eras.

Prediction: An increase in production up front will occur and we will see the rushing numbers improve. The talent is too good even though it is relatively young, though there will be some growing pains. By the end of the season this group will be among the best in the conference. And how they play against Ohio State will tell us all exactly where they are at when the season ends. I believe it would be foolish to sleep on this group.

Opponents That Could Be A Thorn in The Linemen Linemen's Side: Minnesota DL Steven Richardson; Ohio State DE's Nick Bosa, Tyquan Lewis, and Sam Hubbard; Wisconsin's Front Seven

Grade: C+


Tight End
  1. Ian Bunting (RJr)
  2. Tyrone Wheatley Jr (RSo)
  3. Zach Gentry (RSo)
  4. Nick Eubanks (RFr)
  5. Sean McKeon (So)
Bottom Line: Bunting and Wheatley Jr. both have a little experience and both have shown an ability to produce when called upon. Now is there time to take over. Fending off the likes of Eubanks, Gentry, and McKeon for reps will be a challenge. All five could play a lot this fall. Gentry and Eubanks have the most intriguing raw receiving skills and either one could play out wide. In fact, Gentry had primarily gotten reps out there already in the spring. My guess is that we will see him lining up all over the place to take advantage of matchups against smaller defenders.

Prediction: The team will miss having a go-to player like Butt, but we will see very little drop in production from the group overall. In fact, this group will contribute to an improvement in the run-blocking along the edge of the line.

Opponents That Could Make The Tight Ends Lose Sleep: Penn State S Marcus Allen; Iowa LB Josey Jewell; Wisconsin LB's T.J. Edwards and Jack Cichy,

Grade: B


Linebacker
  1. Mike McCray II (5th)
  2. Noah Furbush (RJr)
  3. Rueben Jones (RSo)
  4. Drew Singleton (Fr)
  1. Devin Bush Jr (So)
  2. Michael Wroblewski (5th)
  3. Elysee Mbem-Bosse
  4. Jordan Anthony (Fr)
  5. Josh Ross (Fr)
  1. Kahleke Hudson (So)
  2. Jordan Glasgow (RSo)
  3. Devin Gil (So)
  4. Josh Uche (So)

Grade: B

Bottom Line: There is an elite mixture of talent here. McCray II, an All-Big Ten candidate, and Noah Furbush, the top backup and special teams player from a year ago, represent the core senior leadership of the group. McCray will once again start at the weakside position. Bush Jr. will take over for Ben Gedeon in the middle while Hudson takes over for Jabrill Peppers at the "Viper". They both have very high ceilings and could represent an upgrade to the starting lineup as a whole. Yes, Peppers was great and all, but Hudson himself looks like a physical beast who was born to play the "Viper". And I had him ranked a bit higher than most recruiting services back when he was just a recruit, as did the Michigan coaching staff. Wroblewski, Gil, Glasgow, and Jones provide more depth. Anthony, Singleton, and Ross III could represent the future, but all three are highly-touted recruits. They could be ready to play right away. The competition should be fierce.

Prediction: This group will not look as polished in September as last year's did, but there will be very little loss in production throughout the year. In fact, by the end of the year it could be in much better shape. There's just so much raw talent. Expect lots of sacks and a few more INT's than the three the unit produced last season. There is a lot to be excited about at LB.

Opponents That Could Be a Thorn In The Linebackers' Sides: Penn State RB Saquon Barkley and QB Trace McSorley; Ohio State RB Mike Weber and QB J.T. Barrett; Minnesota RB Rodney Smith; Iowa RB Akrum Wadley

Grade: B


Position Groups in Good Hands


Quarterback
  1. Wilton Speight (RJr)
  2. John O'Korn (5th)
  3. Brandon Peters (RFr)
  4. Michael Sessa (RFr)
  5. Alex Malzone (RSo)
  6. Dylan McCaffrey (Fr)
Grade: B+

Bottom Line: Returning both the starting and top backup quarterbacks that helped the team win 10 games last year is a major plus. Throw in the prospect of Peters potentially being the best of the bunch makes it hard not to smile. This is the best shape the position has been in a very long time.

Prediction: Speight will start again. O'Korn and Peters will still get playing time. In fact, expect to see them all in week one against Florida. Production in the passing game will improve overall and we will see this team throw for 3,000 yards. Expect a few monster games against some weaker pass defenses. Cincinnati and Air Force come to mind quickly. Indiana, Minnesota, and Purdue could represent some opportunities for big stats too. However, we will also see a slight increase in drops and tipped INT's as the young receivers get acclimated.

Opponents That Could Make The Quarterbacks Lose Sleep: Penn State DE Shariff Miller and S Marcus Allen; Florida's Secondary; Wisconsin Front Seven; Ohio State


Running Back
  1. Chris Evans (So)
  2. Karan Higdon (Jr)
  3. Ty Isaac (5th)
  4. Kareem Walker (RFr)
  5. Tru Wilson (RFr)
  6. O'Maury Samuels (Fr)
  7. Kurt Taylor (Fr)
Bottom Line: There is a lot to be excited about here with both star-power and depth. Evans looks like an overall game-changer with the speed and instincts to turn big plays. Higdon is a solid compliment that will play hard. He has shown to understand the blocking schemes as much as anybody. Isaac will also get a lot of reps and he too has the ability to take it to the house. The icing on the cake is Walker. Some think that he is the most talented player at the position.

Prediction: Expect an increase in big plays and overall yards from scrimmage. De'Veon Smith's pass-blocking will be sorely missed though.

Opponents That Could Be Speedbumps for The Running Backs: Ohio State LB Jerome Baker and those pesky DE's; Indiana LB Tegray Scales; Wisconsin Front Seven; Florida LB David Reese

Grade: B+


Defensive Tackle
  1. Maurice Hurst Jr (5th)
  2. James Hudson (Fr)
  3. Deron Irving-Bey (Fr)
  4. Carl Myers (RFr)
  5. Lawrence Marshall (RJr)
  6. Ron Johnson (RFr)
  1. Bryan Mone (RJr)
  2. Aubrey Soloman (Fr)
  3. Michael Dwumfour (RFr)
  4. Michale Paea (Fr)
Bottom Line: The starting duo of Hurst Jr. and Mone is about as good as it gets. Both guys are big and disruptive, and capable of blowing up blocking schemes all over the country. Their presence will provide room for the speedy linebackers and ends to run to the ball. Depth is a major concern though. A lot is riding on Soloman and Hudson, as well as several others, to arrive ready to play this summer. If not, then Myers, a walk-on, and Marshall, a 4-Star bust so far, will be depended on to provide some help off the bench. Rashan Gary could easily play here too if needed.

Prediction: Mark my words, Hurst Jr, Mone, and Soloman will form the best trio of tackles in the conference, and all three of them will receive some postseason accolades.

Opponents That Could Slow Up The Defensive Tackles: Ohio State OL; Wisconsin OL, Penn State OL

Grade: A-


Fullback
  1. Kahlid Hill (5th)
  2. Henry Poggi (5th)
  3. Nick Volk (RJr)
  4. Ben Mason (Fr)
Bottom Line: Hill and Poggi are the best pair of returning fullbacks in the nation. Hill has a special balance of ability as a blocker and receiver, and he led the team in rushing TD's last year. Expect to see more from him this season. Poggi is more of pure blocker but he can catch the ball too. Volk is strictly a backup while Mason will prepare to take over the position next year.

Prediction: Will be one of the most productive groups of fullbacks in the nation.

Opponents That Could Be a Thorn in The Fullbacks' Sides: Wisconsin Front Seven; Ohio State DE's; Florida LB David Reese (former Michigan commit), Iowa LB Josey Jewell

Grade: A-


Defensive End

Rashan Gary (So)
Carlo Kemp (RFr)
Donovan Jeter (Fr)

Chase Winovich (RJr)

Luiji Vilain (Fr)
Shelton Johnson (RSo)
Kwity Paye (Fr)



Bottom Line: A lot is riding on the idea that Gary will be a game-changer at the anchor position. Winovich has already shown that he can capitalize on opportunities when they are presented to him. Kemp looks poised to push for playing time too. Jeter had a good spring as an early enrollee and Vilain is a top 50 recruit.

Prediction: Gary will be one of the best in the country and Winovich will use his speed and athleticism to capitalize on opponent's attention being focused elsewhere, just as he did last year. Expect lots of sacks and TFL's. from this bunch for the next couple years. Kemp, Jeter, and Vilain will all provide just enough depth to support the starters.

Opponents That Could Be Speedbumps For the Defensive Ends: Ohio State OT's Jamarco Jones and Isiah Prince, and QB J.T. Barrett; Wisconsin OL and TE Troy Fumagalli; Penn State OL, RB Saquon Barkely, and TE Mike Gesicki

Grade: A-

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