It has been more than a few years since Michigan's spring game was an actual "game." Under Brady Hoke, Michigan's spring game consisted of everyone's favorite punting drills and situational 11-on-11's due to injuries and depth issues. There were no set teams. There was no official score. There was no official "game."
But that will change under new football coach Jim Harbaugh. When he coached at Stanford, not only were his spring games actual "games," he and his staff drafted both teams beforehand and even made video of the draft available to the public. It's a fascinating concept because it provided insight into how the coaches perceived each player's ability and the amount of depth at each position. And it's a concept that will be brought to Michigan because it has been announced that Harbaugh and his staff will have their draft tomorrow (Mar. 28) -- one week before the spring game (Apr. 4).
We at Maize n Brew liked the concept so much that we conducted our own draft.
Managing editor Joshua Henschke and football and basketball editor Drew Hallett were captains of the two teams: Team Josh and Team Drew. We had 22 rounds to draft 11 starters on offense, which consisted of one quaterback, five skill players (RB/WR/TE), and five offensive linemen, and 11 starters on defense, which consisted of a front seven and four defensive backs. We were permitted to draft only players who are on campus, were healthy before practices began, and have not been suspended. This removed Khalid Hill, Drake Johnson, Sione Houma, and Graham Glasgow from the pool. Though there have been reports that others have been injured during camp, we pretended they were 100 percent for purposes of this draft because those injuries have not been confirmed.
Team Drew was offered the first pick in the draft, and this was a snake-style draft. This means that Team Drew had the first overall pick, Team Josh had the No. 2 and No. 3 picks, Team Drew had the No. 4 and No. 5 picks, and so on. This was to ensure that whoever selected second overall would not be at a disadvantage for the rest of the draft.
So who won the draft? You will get to decide and vote at the end. Here were the results:
Round 1
Team Drew: Jabrill Peppers (SS)
I’m buying the hype. Peppers hasn't played three full games at Michigan, yet he’s the most valuable player on the team. He’s a 6-foot-1 physical specimen that has the rare athleticism to cover large patches of grass in a flash whether he’s providing run support or sticking with slot receivers in pass coverage. There are no other safeties on the roster that can patrol the middle of the field like he can, which is why that area was Charmin-soft last season when Michigan rotated three other Wolverines at strong safety. Add in that early spring reports have called Peppers "very special" and the vocal leader of the defense, and you have my No. 1 selection.
Offense: N/A
Defense: Peppers (SS)
Team Josh: Jake Butt (TE)
From a production standpoint, we are talking about a position that Harbaugh covets on the offense. With the wide receiver group still looking for some playmakers, Butt is by the most "sure thing" Michigan has coming off Funchess declaring for the NFL Draft. Sure, Butt is a definite possibility to see increased production, but who is going to throw to him?
Offense: Butt (TE)
Defense: N/A
Round 2
Team Josh: Brian Cole (WR)
Another "I’m buying the hype" pick. There’s been a lot of smoke that Cole could be a playmaker on the offense this season. Considering the chemistry that him and true freshman Alex Malzone have (who is a candidate for the starting QB position) and combine that with enrolling early and getting valuable time with the playbook, why wouldn’t he see major playing time this season? It might be a risky pick in the second round, but Michigan is in dire need of playmaking wide receivers and they just might have one here.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE)
Defense: N/A
Team Drew: Jourdan Lewis (CB)
I think you really reached in the second round, Josh. I like Brian Cole’s promise, but he’s yet to finish his first set of spring practices and there are lots of viable options at wide receiver. On the other hand, Michigan had only one lockdown cornerback last season, and that was Jourdan Lewis. Lewis emerged as a sophomore in Michigan’s press man scheme, demonstrating proper technique and a tenacity at the line of scrimmage that permitted him to jam receivers. Plus, he was the secondary’s only playmaker last season, leading the team with six passes defended and grabbing the secondary’s only two interceptions. With both Lewis and Peppers positioned to the field side of the play, my secondary should be able to shut down one half of the gridiron.
Offense: N/A
Defense: Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS)
Round 3
Team Drew: Mason Cole (OL)
It’s time to switch to offense, and there’s no better place to start than with Mason Cole. Cole arrived in Ann Arbor as a true freshman last season and immediately won the job as Michigan’s starting left tackle. Though Cole is a bit undersized at left tackle, he more than held his own against some of the nation’s best pass-rushers, for which he was named to the Sporting News Freshman All-America first team. As a sophomore, Cole should be stronger and even more refined with his blocking technique. Plus, Cole is the only proven left tackle on the roster, and he has been taking snaps at center now that Jack Miller has left the program and Graham Glasgow has been suspended. That’s the talent and versatility I need and want on my offensive line.
Offense: M. Cole (OL)
Defense: Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS)
Team Josh: Joe Bolden (LB)
Yes, if we are going for promise then your Peppers pick is going for broke! I think with my Bolden pick here solidifies the linebackers with Jake Ryan moving on from the program. The depth is there as is the talent and I feel like Bolden will be the star in this defense. With new defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin getting his defense ready, the linebackers will feast with a more aggressive defense.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE)
Defense: Bolden (LB)
Round 4
Team Josh: Blake Countess (CB)
Countess gets a lot of flack for being in bad positions last season and rightfully so. He is a senior and also wearing the iconic number two jersey while not living up to the hype, it’s time to change that. I’m not hip with the technical scheme lingo like Drew is, but I feel like this is Countess’ time to prove the doubters wrong. I still believe he is a capable corner (or even nickel corner) and can get the job done. With Lewis and Peppers roaming the sidelines, someone will have to be picked on, right? How better of an opportunity it would be for Countess to prove that he’s not the guy to be picked on.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE)
Defense: Bolden (LB), Countess (CB)
Team Drew: Jarrod Wilson (FS)
It seems crazy that three of my first four picks are in the secondary. However, Wilson, Peppers, and Lewis are the three best defensive backs on the team -- and three of the best overall players -- and the drop-off behind them is significant except for Countess. While Peppers and Lewis are playmakers, Wilson is the boring center fielder that roams as the last line of defense. He doesn’t bust and keeps the play in front of him -- Michigan was sixth in the nation in fewest passing plays of 30 yards or longer allowed. There will be no big plays against my defense.
Offense: M. Cole (OL)
Defense: Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Round 5
Team Drew: Desmond Morgan (LB)
Joe Bolden could become Michigan’s star linebacker as a senior, but he was inconsistent his first three years, blowing too many assignments. You know who doesn’t blow assignments? Desmond Morgan. Morgan isn’t the most athletic linebacker -- though this one-handed pick suggests otherwise -- but he makes few mistakes and wallops running backs in the hole. He’s the most experienced linebacker on the team with 37 games and 31 starts to his name and had been one of Michigan’s defensive leaders for years until a hand injury sidelined him last season. With Morgan, Peppers, and Wilson, there’ll be no lack of leadership in the middle of my defense.
Offense: M. Cole (OL)
Defense: Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Team Josh: Bryan Mone (DT)
All good defensive lines need an anchor and that's what Bryan Mone will be for Michigan. He is Michigan's largest defensive lineman and performed well as a true freshman. The continuation with Greg Mattison combined with Durkin's new scheme could bode well for him this upcoming season and my team.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE)
Defense: Mone (DT), Bolden (LB), Countess (CB)
Round 6
Team Josh: James Ross III (LB)
Another experienced linebacker is off the board. With Bolden and Ross, the combination will prove to be great at stopping the run. See why I needed a defensive line anchor now? Ross hasn't exactly solidified a starting role by any means, but he's been through it all and should see the field this season.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE)
Defense: Mone (DT), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB)
Team Drew: Willie Henry (DT)
Though I have devoted much time to my defensive back seven, I believe defenses must be built from the inside out, and, with Bryan Mone off the board, I can’t wait anymore to draft a defensive lineman. At 6-foot-2, 311 pounds, Willie Henry is a physical force at three-tech defensive tackle. He led all Michigan defensive tackles with 5.5 tackles-for-loss and three sacks last season and disrupted numerous other plays with his penetration into the backfield. Oh, and he also had this wonderful interception. What has held Henry back is his inconsistency, which mostly is due to playing too high, but there have been rumors that Henry has been very impressive in spring practice. If that’s the case and he’s lowered his pad level, this could be Henry’s breakout year.
Offense: M. Cole (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Round 7
Team Drew: Kyle Kalis (OL)
With Jack Miller no longer in the program and Graham Glasgow suspended, experienced interior linemen are a valuable commodity this spring. The best of those interior linemen is Kyle Kalis -- a former high-four-star recruit that is bringing the power we thought he would as a freshman. Kalis reclaimed his starting job at right guard last year when Erik Magnuson went down with an injury and never gave it back when Magnuson returned. In fact, Kalis did so well that Magnuson was forced to be a blocking tight end for the remainder of the season. Though Kalis has room to grow as a pass-blocker, he should be the road-grader I need on the right side of my offensive line.
Offense: M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Team Josh: Logan Tuley-Tillman (OL)
It's time to go with the offensive line. LTT is someone who is hungry for playing time and will do whatever it takes to keep a starting job. You want those kinds of kids on your team. He doesn't have college on-field experience yet, but by all accounts he is having a very positive spring.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB)
Round 8
Team Josh: Patrick Kugler(OL)
I really think Kugler can be a starting center when all is said and done. On my team, that's exactly what he'll be doing. Cole isn't necessarily guaranteed to be a starting center and with Jack Miller no longer on the team, that position is prime for the taking. Kugler has the makings of a starting center.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB)
Team Drew: Erik Magnuson (OL)
I have one starting guard on my team, so I might as well grab the other one. Erik Magnuson finished last season as a blocking tight end, but, once Jack Miller left and Graham Glasgow slid from left guard to center, he was reinserted as the starting left guard and has a lock on the position. Magnuson’s size and skill set is more suited for pass-blocking, but he has proven to be nimble enough to pull when Michigan decides to run a power or counter. With Magnuson on my team next to Cole and Kalis, I have the three offensive linemen most certain to start this spring.
Offense: M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Round 9
Team Drew: Ben Braden (OL)
Given that Josh and I need to select a total of 10 offensive linemen and there are only seven in serious contention for playing time until Graham Glasgow is reinstated, a run on offensive linemen in this spring draft was bound to occur. The fifth straight offensive lineman to come off the board will be Ben Braden. At 6-foot-6 and a lean 331 pounds -- if that’s possible -- Braden is a mauler at right tackle, where he started all 12 games last season. Though he was the shakiest of Michigan’s five starters in 2014, he improved as the season progressed and could see a large leap in his performance if Tim Drevno can fix his technique. By adding Braden, I have the only four offensive linemen with any starting experience. Good luck with your offensive line, Josh.
Offense: M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Team Josh: David Dawson (OL)
Your offensive line might have experience, however mine will be loaded with hungry players looking for a chance to see the field. Dawson is very similar to LTT, a highly touted lineman who hasn’t had his opportunity, but it doesn’t turn me away from drafting him onto my line. Call it what you will, but there’s a sense that the offensive line is going to be drastically different under Drevno.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB)
Round 10
Team Josh: Juwann Bushell-Beatty (OL)
Hey, here’s a 6-6 319 offensive lineman being drafted. Why? Well not only did Drew pilfer the offensive line group, but the sheer size of JBB could provide to be useful on my offensive line. His skills will be more than raw but JBB is another guy that can be molded into Drevno’s liking. Sure it’s a reach, but I like the talented youth I have on my OL.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB)
Team Drew: Blake Bars (OL)
I would rather keep Mason Cole out at left tackle than start him at center, and there’s only one center remaining: Blake Bars. I would have preferred to have waited to make this selection, but Bars also is the lone second-string scholarship guard available -- a position that Josh needs to fill. So I’ll grab Bars first. He has been sharing the duties at center with Mason Cole and Patrick Kugler since Graham Glasgow was suspended, and that’s enough for me to make this pick.
Offense: M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Round 11
Team Drew: Ryan Glasgow (DT)
Ryan Glasgow wasn’t a scholarship player or the behemoths that Bryan Mone and Ondre Pipkins were when they arrived on campus, but Glasgow was a surprising revelation at nose tackle last season. Though he was pushed around by double teams on occasion due to his lack of size, he was the most consistent defensive tackle Michigan had, which is why he won the starting job alongside Willie Henry. I don’t plan to run a two-gapping 3-4 defense, which requires a small planet at nose tackle like Vincent Wilfork on the New England Patriots for many years. Therefore, Glasgow and Henry will solidify my defensive line like they did for Michigan last year.
Offense: M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Team Josh: Dan Samuelson (OL)
Looks like I need a guard. Well, Samuelson might have to do. Another reach, but not-so-solid guard depth will probably be my downfall on my offensive line. At any rate, Samuelson is highly unlikely to see the field anytime soon during his career at Michigan, but he will get his chance to shine on my offensive line.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB)
Round 12
Team Josh: Chris Wormley (DE)
Wormley has been blowing up this spring and rightfully so. A few years removed from a torn ACL injury, Wormley is healthy and ready to take on a major role on this defense. On my defense, he will be a nice complement to Bryan Mone on the line.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB)
Team Drew: Channing Stribling (CB)
Michigan has little cornerback depth behind Jourdan Lewis and Blake Countess, but Channing Stribling is the one Wolverine that has experience and has shown promise at the position. The 6-foot-2 corner has great speed, which will prevent offenses from beating him over the top when he isn’t losing jump balls like he did his freshman season, and is physical in run support. He is the perfect fit at boundary corner, and I will have Lewis playing to the field. My secondary is set.
Offense: M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Round 13
Team Drew: Dennis Norfleet (WR)
My defense looks strong. My offensive line is in place. Now I need to start adding playmakers to my offense. Michigan has many possession receivers but few proven gamebreakers, if any. The closest Michigan has is slot receiver Dennis Norfleet. No, Norfleet hasn’t shown this on the field in his first three seasons, but that’s because the former staff didn’t use him properly. He will be a versatile weapon for me in the slot. I will hand it off to him on end arounds, send him on bubble screens, and just get him the ball in space in general. Then we all can watch him swerve his way through the crowd of defenders en route to the end zone, where he will dance of course.
Offense: Norfleet (WR), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Team Josh: Delano Hill (SS)
Safety has been a bit of a sore spot for Michigan as of late, but with word coming out of Fort Schembechler that Hill has been looking very good in spring practices, he is the logical choice to play on my defense. He is another guy who brings experience and could be considered an up-and-comer on this defense if he lives up to the hype.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB), D. Hill (SS)
Round 14
Team Josh: Jeremy Clark (FS)
To finish off my safeties, I choose Jeremy Clark. It was a toss-up between him and Dymonte Thomas, but I like what Clark brings to the defense. He has pushed hard to see the field and there's a definite chance he can see a lot more this season with the new staff.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB), D. Hill (SS), Clark (FS)
Team Drew: Amara Darboh (WR)
Amara Darboh is Michigan’s most productive returning receiver after Devin Funchess declared for the NFL Draft to the surprise of no one. Darboh grabbed 36 passes for 473 yards and two touchdowns last season and is the only returning receiver to record more than 25 receptions and 250 receiving yards in 2014. He fits more as a possession receiver -- a player that can get open just beyond the sticks -- but this is the season when Michigan needs him to be a downfield threat, of which we have seen glimpses. Nonetheless, he’s the safest pick at receiver for me.
Offense: Darboh (WR), Norfleet (WR), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Round 15
Team Drew: Taco Charlton (DE)
Taco Charlton is a physical specimen at 6-foot-6 and 273 pounds, possessing the size and athleticism of an NFL defensive end. We saw flashes of Charlton’s potential and athleticism last season when he tallied 5.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks as a reserve. With Frank Clark and Brennen Beyer gone, Charlton will have an opportunity to improve upon those numbers as a starter this season -- likely as a strongside defensive end because he’s basically Michigan’s only option there. If he can shore up some of the mental aspects of the position -- hold the edge, hold the edge, and hold the edge -- and his technique, he can be an impact Wolverine this year.
Offense: Darboh (WR), Norfleet (WR), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Charlton (DE), Morgan (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Team Josh: Reon Dawson (CB)
Despite the fact that Michigan is a bit top-heavy in terms of cornerback depth, Dawson has a chance to see the field not only on his real life squad but my hand-picked team as well. Out of all the possible options left, Dawson is the tallest and most logical choice at corner. Although he was a little addition to the 2013 recruiting class and seldomly used at Michigan, Dawson has a chance to make an impact under the new coaching staff.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB), R. Dawson (CB), D. Hill (SS), Clark (FS)
Round 16
Team Josh: Freddy Canteen (WR)
After an impressive spring, Canteen didn’t exactly live up to the hype. However, given a full year of training and returning a rejuvenated sophomore, "Freddy Footwork" is poised to see plenty of passes thrown his way this season and on my team. He’s athletic and as his nickname suggests, his footwork is blazing fast. An excellent addition to my team.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Canteen (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB), R. Dawson (CB), D. Hill (SS), Clark (FS)
Team Drew: Ben Gedeon (LB)
Michigan should start three seniors at linebacker in Desmond Morgan, Joe Bolden, and James Ross III, but, if there is an underclassman that will break apart the senior-laden trio, it is Ben Gedeon. His nickname is "The Freak," and he has been mentioned as a potential contributor in this defense because he may have "the best combination of size, athleticism, and intelligence" at linebacker. Gedeon will man the middle of my defense, while Morgan will play on the weakside.
Offense: Darboh (WR), Norfleet (WR), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Charlton (DE), Morgan (LB), Gedeon (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Round 17
Team Drew: Drake Harris (WR)
Jehu Chesson would be the safer pick -- and a better blocker on the outside -- but, for the sake of this exercise, I will pretend that, on the rarest of occasions, Drake Harris has two hamstrings that haven’t been tweaked or torn. Notwithstanding his hamstrings and that he’s is super-duper skinny, Harris has the potential to be an explosive, downfield threat because he has exceptional leaping ability and ball skills. He would be the perfect piece to stretch Josh’s defense vertically and allow Darboh and Norfleet to work underneath. But those hamstrings, though …
Offense: Darboh (WR), Harris (WR), Norfleet (WR), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Charlton (DE), Morgan (LB), Gedeon (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Team Josh: Mario Ojemudia (DE)
Ojemudia has had steady experience on the defensive line. Although he hasn’t proved himself to be an anchor on the line just yet, but snap numbers are wide open now that Frank Clark is no longer in front of him on the depth chart. His experience and familiarity with Greg Mattison makes him a no-brainer choice for my defensive line.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Canteen (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Ojemudia (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), Countess (CB), R. Dawson (CB), D. Hill (SS), Clark (FS)
Round 18
Team Josh: Mike McCray (LB)
Mike McCray is another guy that hasn’t quite seen a lot of game action despite high star ratings coming out of high school, but he is poised to see time now that the depth chart is expected to be lighter this season and next. Combined with the experienced seniors in Bolden and Ross III, McCray can bring a youthful sense to the linebacking group on my team.
Offense: B. Cole (WR), Canteen (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Ojemudia (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), McCray (LB), Countess (CB), R. Dawson (CB), D. Hill (SS), Clark (FS)
Team Drew: Derrick Green (RB)
Derrick Green is a former five-star prospect that is competing against former blue-chip recruits Ty Isaac and De’Veon Smith for the starting running back spot this spring. The race between these three seems to be neck and neck -- and neck -- but I drafted Green because I liked what he demonstrated on the field before his season ended with a broken clavicle. He’s a bruising runner that can hit the holes quickly as long as he sees the open gap rather than run up the back side of his offensive linemen. And there are rumors that running backs coach Ty Wheatley is working wonders with him. That and a few other undisclosed reasons are why Green is my pick.
Offense: Green (RB), Darboh (WR), Harris (WR), Norfleet (WR), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Charlton (DE), Morgan (LB), Gedeon (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Round 19
Team Drew: Alex Malzone (QB)
As the draft winds down and positions are filled, I know whom my final three picks will be, so I wanted the first crack at quarterback. For me, it was between lefty flamethrower Shane Morris and poised freshman Alex Malzone. As much as I wanted to draft Morris because he has the ability to make all of the throws, I need a quarterback that limits mistakes and doesn’t throw costly interceptions because my defense should have little trouble shutting down Josh’s offense. That quarterback is Malzone, who threw 38 touchdowns to five interceptions as a senior. He was a winner throughout high school and has the moxie to make critical plays down the stretch.
Offense: Malzone (QB), Green (RB), Darboh (WR), Harris (WR), Norfleet (WR), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Charlton (DE), Morgan (LB), Gedeon (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Team Josh: Ty Isaac (RB)
With Ty Isaac still on the board, I had to take him as my starting running back. I am a believer that Isaac will make an impact on this offense this season, including my own. We’ve seen what Green, Smith and Johnson have done, Isaac has made strides in his weight and has had a year off being hungry to see the playing field. Pending on whether my offensive line can hold up, he absolutely can take the starting spot away from the regular faces.
Offense: Isaac (RB), B. Cole (WR), Canteen (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Ojemudia (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), McCray (LB), Countess (CB), R. Dawson (CB), D. Hill (SS), Clark (FS)
Round 20
Team Josh: Joe Kerridge (FB)
Jim Harbaugh loves fullbacks and I love taking a fullback here. Joe Kerridge is a familiar face on the Michigan offense the past couple of seasons and it makes sense for me to draft him here. He’s proven and the possibilities for him coming into this season is endless considering there could be more of an emphasis for him under the new offense.
Offense: Isaac (RB), Kerridge (FB), B. Cole (WR), Canteen (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Ojemudia (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), McCray (LB), Countess (CB), R. Dawson (CB), D. Hill (SS), Clark (FS)
Team Drew: Lawrence Marshall (DE)
I need a weakside defensive end to round out my defensive line. Josh selected Mario Ojemudia in the 17th round, so I will draft a player that may win the starting job from Ojemudia in the 20th round: Lawrence Marshall. Ojemudia is a senior and has more experience than Marshall, who redshirted last season to add muscle, but Ojemudia is a pass-rushing specialist at best -- and one that has lost some explosiveness while trying to get bigger each of the past three seasons. On the other hand, Marshall has performed well in spring practice, and his size and athleticism has aided him against the run and the pass. As more of an all-around end than Ojemudia, Marshall may be the better option.
Offense: Malzone (QB), Green (RB), Darboh (WR), Harris (WR), Norfleet (WR), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Charlton (DE), Marshall (DE), Morgan (LB), Gedeon (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Round 21
Team Drew: Royce Jenkins-Stone (LB)
With James Ross III off the board, the best remaining option at strongside linebacker for the 4-3 Over defense I plan to run is Royce Jenkins-Stone. Jenkins-Stone has lots of experience, having played in 36 games in his career and started two last season. Though Ross III has a firm hold on the starting job for Michigan this season, Jenkins-Stone will be more than adequate at strongside linebacker in my defense and will bring some versatility, too. Jenkins-Stone has the speed and athleticism to crouch down to the line of scrimmage and be an additional pass-rusher on my defense. With Morgan and Gedeon cleaning up all the messes next to him, expect Jenkins-Stone to be a frequent blitzer.
Offense: Malzone (QB), Green (RB), Darboh (WR), Harris (WR), Norfleet (WR), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Charlton (DE), Marshall (DE), Morgan (LB), Gedeon (LB), Jenkins-Stone (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
Team Josh: Wilton Speight (QB)
This was a tough choice, but out of all the remaining candidates, I feel as if Speight has the best chance to start this season. He has height, a great arm and has the intangibles that Jim Harbaugh is looking for in a quarterback. If needed, Speight could step up right away and do what is necessary to lead his offense.
Offense: Speight (QB), Isaac (RB), Kerridge (FB), B. Cole (WR), Canteen (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Wormley (DE), Ojemudia (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), McCray (LB), Countess (CB), R. Dawson (CB), D. Hill (SS), Clark (FS)
Round 22
Team Josh: Maurice Hurst, Jr. (DT)
Maurice Hurst Jr. is a big, big specimen who will pair well with Mone as my other defensive tackle. Michigan has needed a strong defensive line for many years and this combination with Hurst brings a youthful presence that could make an impact right away for my team.
Offense: Speight (QB), Isaac (RB), Kerridge (FB), B. Cole (WR), Canteen (WR), Butt (TE), Tuley-Tillman (OL), Kugler (OL), D. Dawson (OL), Bushell-Beatty (OL), Samuelson (OL)
Defense: Mone (DT), Hurst, Jr. (DT), Wormley (DE), Ojemudia (DE), Bolden (LB), Ross III (LB), McCray (LB), Countess (CB), R. Dawson (CB), D. Hill (SS), Clark (FS)
Team Drew: Ian Bunting (TE)
For tight end, I can select either a 6-foot-6 senior that looks like an offensive lineman, catches like one, but doesn't block like one, or a 6-foot-7 redshirt freshman that may be developing into the next Devin Funchess. I will go with the latter. When asked to catch the ball, Bunting has an absurd wingspan and hands that don't suffer from the dropsies. The issue is that Bunting still is skinny for his size and will have trouble blocking when lined up next to a tackle with his hand in the ground. Therefore, I plan to keep Bunting in the slot for most of my snaps, which means my offense will be in lots of four-wide sets. This will space out Josh's defense horizontally and allow Green to ram his way up the middle on runs.
Offense: Malzone (QB), Green (RB), Darboh (WR), Harris (WR), Norfleet (WR), Bunting (TE), M. Cole (OL), Kalis (OL), Magnuson (OL), Braden (OL), Bars (OL)
Defense: Henry (DT), R. Glasgow (DT), Charlton (DE), Marshall (DE), Morgan (LB), Gedeon (LB), Jenkins-Stone (LB), Lewis (CB), Stribling (CB), Peppers (SS), Wilson (FS)
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Here are the final results of Maize n Brew's 2015 Michigan Spring Game Draft:
So who won: Team Drew or Team Josh? Vote below to tell us who had the better draft!