Best Fits for Michigan's NFL Prospects
Devin Bush Jr. 5'11"/234lbs - Displayed elite level speed, athleticism, and instincts in two years as the starting middle linebacker at Michigan. He can do just about anything and should be a starter very early in his NFL career. I see him more as a weakside 'backer in a traditional 4-3 or either inside spot in a 3-4. I would not be surprised to see him become an All-Pro some day. His combine results probably cemented him as a Top 20-type player. The Broncos, Bengals, Dolphins, and Steelers are all possibilities in the middle of the first round. South Florida, his home state, seems like a good fit. Overall, I believe he will be one of the best pros of the bunch.
My Pick: Miami Dolphins First Round, Pick 13 - His speed and athleticism will make the defense a lot more versatile. Once he learns the scheme he will develop into a leader.
Rashan Gary 6'5"/277lbs - It is no secret that Gary's career didn't quite measure up to the hype he got as a recruit in terms of stats and records against rivals. The question on every NFL GM and Coach's mind is 'Why'? The latest I heard is that it was Michigan's fault for playing him out of position. And now that Gary ran a sub 4.6 forty and shocked the world with a 38 inch vertical at the combine, he is now widely considered more of an "edge" player than a strongside end or tackle and a sure-fire Top 20 pick. It will be cool if Michigan has two players invited to the draft. Detroit, Green Bay, and Cleveland are all strong possibilities.
My Pick: Atlanta Falcons First Round, Pick 14 - It's really no secret that the Falcons need help along the D-line. Gary wants to be a rush-end with an opportunity for sacks, but he can probably play multiple line positions if needed.
David Long 5'11"/196lbs - Long is a bit of an underrated prospect simply because he didn't get thrown at much while playing at Michigan. He quietly shut a lot of receivers down for two years and made the most of opportunities when they came his way, so quarterbacks attacked the safeties more often instead. He might not be as tall as one might like in their outside corner, but he has tremendous value if he's still there in the fourth round. I would feel comforatble taking him with a mid to late third round pick. He could be an excellent nickel or dimeback right away and possibly a future starter in a year or two down the road. His solid combine numbers, particulary his 4.45 forty, 39 inch vertical, and 3.97 20 yard shuttle, will boost his stock. Some team might fall in love with him and call his name early in the second round.
My Pick: San Francisco 49'ers Third Round, Pick 67 - The Niners will probably load up on secondary players in this draft. Long will provide good value here. He could probably play corner or safety in the NFL with all the foot speed and athleticism you need to play in the league. He could should challenge for a job somewhere, possibly at the nickel.
Chase Winovich 6'3"/256lbs - Helped his cause with a decent combine. A 4.59 forty, 116 inch broad jump, and a 4.11 20-yard shuttle are exactly the type of numbers you want to see from an edge rusher. He could play standing up or in a three-point stance. Can be relentless in pursuit of his target. Will out-hustle a lot of guys. Passrushers are definitely coveted in the NFL, but this is a deep year for the D-line. I think he can go as high as the middle of the second round, but is probably more of a strong third round candidate. If he slips into the fourth of fifth he could be a steal. The Raiders with the 66th pick could be a strong possibility. The Jets, Jaguars, and Patriots are right behind them and they could all be eyeing up some potential passrushers.
My Pick: Green Bay Packers Third Round, Pick 75 - The Packers need some help on defense. Linebackers and edge players are a bit of a sore spot. It is time for reinforcements. Winovich should fit in well in Green Bay and he should be able to contribute as a pass-rusher immediately.
Karan Higdon 5'9"/206lbs - Higdon is just about everything you would want as a backup running back in the NFL. He should be a decent spot starter, but I expect him to be a 10-12 carry per game kinda guy and not a true workhorse. He might lack the receiving skills to be a great third down back but he is a willing and able pass-blocker. Overall, his career at Michigan is based on the simple fact that for nearly three years he was Michigan's best running back, but he was never a true game-changer. His numbers at the combine could help him jump as high as the second round, but I still see him more as a third or fourth round pick. Honestly, running backs are not considered a big need in the league right now. The Eagles might be a good fit for him with either of the fourth round picks they've got sitting there at #127 and #138. Worst case scenario for him is a drop into the fifth. It is hard seeing him slip past the Raiders or the Giants there. He was just too productive and he's got the speed to compete in the league. Whether or not he pass blocks well and develops some real receiving ability will determine when and how he gets his reps, but he should be ready to contribute in some manner right away, possibly on special team coverage units.
My Pick: Philadelphia Eagles Fourth Round, Pick 138 - The Eagles could stand to grab a back early in this draft. Waiting it out to see who falls to a round where you've got two picks would be a smart move and Higdon could be the best available with the ability to join a rotation right away.
Zach Gentry 6'8"/263lbs - I thought he came out too early back when he announced. I thought that he was probably a fourth round pick at best. His combine performance doesn't do anything to help his cause. He needs a better pro day to get him any higher than the fifth. The Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars are three strong possibilities in the later rounds. I do wish this kid the best, but I kinda get the feeling I was right about his decision to go pro. His tape is nothing to really brag about. He doesn't appear to have great hands or concentration. And he is just average in nearly every drill.
My Pick: Cincinnati Bengals Sixth Round, Pick 211 - The Bengals could add a couple tight ends late in the draft if they don't get one early. Gentry has some intriguing characteristics to bring to the table in Cincinnati but it could take a year or two for him to develop. The sixth round might actually be a reach.
Bryan Mone 6'3"/320lbs - Though he did not get a combine invite, Mone will get a chance to showcase his ability at Michigan's Pro Day on March 15th. I think he might have a shot at the NFL if he really wants it, but he is going to really want it in order for it to happen. His overall play at Michigan never was good but never became great. He was a solid run-stuffer who was a better backup than a starter. He just never stood out. If he can shed any bad weight and get a little quicker he could develop into a solid pro some day. I just don't see that day being any time soon.
Rookie Free Agent
My Pick: Miami Dolphins First Round, Pick 13 - His speed and athleticism will make the defense a lot more versatile. Once he learns the scheme he will develop into a leader.
Rashan Gary 6'5"/277lbs - It is no secret that Gary's career didn't quite measure up to the hype he got as a recruit in terms of stats and records against rivals. The question on every NFL GM and Coach's mind is 'Why'? The latest I heard is that it was Michigan's fault for playing him out of position. And now that Gary ran a sub 4.6 forty and shocked the world with a 38 inch vertical at the combine, he is now widely considered more of an "edge" player than a strongside end or tackle and a sure-fire Top 20 pick. It will be cool if Michigan has two players invited to the draft. Detroit, Green Bay, and Cleveland are all strong possibilities.
My Pick: Atlanta Falcons First Round, Pick 14 - It's really no secret that the Falcons need help along the D-line. Gary wants to be a rush-end with an opportunity for sacks, but he can probably play multiple line positions if needed.
David Long 5'11"/196lbs - Long is a bit of an underrated prospect simply because he didn't get thrown at much while playing at Michigan. He quietly shut a lot of receivers down for two years and made the most of opportunities when they came his way, so quarterbacks attacked the safeties more often instead. He might not be as tall as one might like in their outside corner, but he has tremendous value if he's still there in the fourth round. I would feel comforatble taking him with a mid to late third round pick. He could be an excellent nickel or dimeback right away and possibly a future starter in a year or two down the road. His solid combine numbers, particulary his 4.45 forty, 39 inch vertical, and 3.97 20 yard shuttle, will boost his stock. Some team might fall in love with him and call his name early in the second round.
My Pick: San Francisco 49'ers Third Round, Pick 67 - The Niners will probably load up on secondary players in this draft. Long will provide good value here. He could probably play corner or safety in the NFL with all the foot speed and athleticism you need to play in the league. He could should challenge for a job somewhere, possibly at the nickel.
Chase Winovich 6'3"/256lbs - Helped his cause with a decent combine. A 4.59 forty, 116 inch broad jump, and a 4.11 20-yard shuttle are exactly the type of numbers you want to see from an edge rusher. He could play standing up or in a three-point stance. Can be relentless in pursuit of his target. Will out-hustle a lot of guys. Passrushers are definitely coveted in the NFL, but this is a deep year for the D-line. I think he can go as high as the middle of the second round, but is probably more of a strong third round candidate. If he slips into the fourth of fifth he could be a steal. The Raiders with the 66th pick could be a strong possibility. The Jets, Jaguars, and Patriots are right behind them and they could all be eyeing up some potential passrushers.
My Pick: Green Bay Packers Third Round, Pick 75 - The Packers need some help on defense. Linebackers and edge players are a bit of a sore spot. It is time for reinforcements. Winovich should fit in well in Green Bay and he should be able to contribute as a pass-rusher immediately.
Karan Higdon 5'9"/206lbs - Higdon is just about everything you would want as a backup running back in the NFL. He should be a decent spot starter, but I expect him to be a 10-12 carry per game kinda guy and not a true workhorse. He might lack the receiving skills to be a great third down back but he is a willing and able pass-blocker. Overall, his career at Michigan is based on the simple fact that for nearly three years he was Michigan's best running back, but he was never a true game-changer. His numbers at the combine could help him jump as high as the second round, but I still see him more as a third or fourth round pick. Honestly, running backs are not considered a big need in the league right now. The Eagles might be a good fit for him with either of the fourth round picks they've got sitting there at #127 and #138. Worst case scenario for him is a drop into the fifth. It is hard seeing him slip past the Raiders or the Giants there. He was just too productive and he's got the speed to compete in the league. Whether or not he pass blocks well and develops some real receiving ability will determine when and how he gets his reps, but he should be ready to contribute in some manner right away, possibly on special team coverage units.
My Pick: Philadelphia Eagles Fourth Round, Pick 138 - The Eagles could stand to grab a back early in this draft. Waiting it out to see who falls to a round where you've got two picks would be a smart move and Higdon could be the best available with the ability to join a rotation right away.
Zach Gentry 6'8"/263lbs - I thought he came out too early back when he announced. I thought that he was probably a fourth round pick at best. His combine performance doesn't do anything to help his cause. He needs a better pro day to get him any higher than the fifth. The Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars are three strong possibilities in the later rounds. I do wish this kid the best, but I kinda get the feeling I was right about his decision to go pro. His tape is nothing to really brag about. He doesn't appear to have great hands or concentration. And he is just average in nearly every drill.
My Pick: Cincinnati Bengals Sixth Round, Pick 211 - The Bengals could add a couple tight ends late in the draft if they don't get one early. Gentry has some intriguing characteristics to bring to the table in Cincinnati but it could take a year or two for him to develop. The sixth round might actually be a reach.
Bryan Mone 6'3"/320lbs - Though he did not get a combine invite, Mone will get a chance to showcase his ability at Michigan's Pro Day on March 15th. I think he might have a shot at the NFL if he really wants it, but he is going to really want it in order for it to happen. His overall play at Michigan never was good but never became great. He was a solid run-stuffer who was a better backup than a starter. He just never stood out. If he can shed any bad weight and get a little quicker he could develop into a solid pro some day. I just don't see that day being any time soon.
Rookie Free Agent
Comments
Post a Comment