Wolverines Shine in Latest ESPN Mock Drafts

The NFL draft is three weeks away which means we’re winding down #MockSzn and predictions are starting to become more solidified. Earlier in the week, Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN released two-round mock drafts for ESPN+ members

Let’s go with McShay first since he seems to be the highest on Michigan’s draft-entrees with four going in the first two rounds.

#9 Buffalo Bills: Rashan Gary, Michigan - Gary’s athleticism would help fill a big need off the edge.

#11 Cincinatti Bengals: Devin Bush, Michigan - Quarterback is definitely an option, but the Bengals badly want to restock the linebacker corps. Vontaze Burfict is gone, and Bush’s range and leadership would fill the void.

#61 Kansas City Chiefs: David Long, Michigan - With Stephen Nelson gone, the Chiefs need a corner. Jonathan Abram was a start to fixing this broken secondary, and Long’s press-coverage skills further the task.

#63 Kansas City Chiefs: Chase Winovich, Michigan - I wouldn’t be shocked if the Chiefs hunted for a running back to share duties with Carlos Hyde and Damien Williams, but losing Dee Ford and Justin Houston opens up the possibility of taking this twitchy edge rusher at the end of round two.

Obviously having four picks in the first two days would be a big boon for a program who’s put in a lot of effort to brand themselves as one that really focuses on preparing guys for the draft. Additionally, Winovich and Long going to the same place would be pretty cool.

This is one of the first drafts I’ve seen Bush land in the spot where I think he should go. After a scorching combine performance, solid interviews, and having his name come up multiple times in interviews with his college opponents, it’s not really a surprise. This is a guy who’s known for being an elite pass rusher, hard hitter, and he runs about a 4.4. Former player and coach’s son, so you’ve got all the intangibles.

Kiper’s draft isn’t as glowing for Michigan, but you still have Bush and Gary going in the first round. There’s not a whole lot to say here as both guys are projected to go in spots we’ve seen them before. If he slides passed Cincinnati, I think it’s fairly obvious where Devin ends up at this point.

#13 Miami Dolphins: Rashan Gary, Michigan - You have to think the Dolphins, who are undergoing a serious rebuild, would be thrilled to get a high-ceiling pass-rusher like Gary.

#20 Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin Bush, Michigan - Pittsburgh brought in Mark Barron in free agency, but he shouldn’t be a lock to start. Bush is a playmaker and every-down linebacker.

Again, Bush to Pittsburgh feels like a forgone conclusion barring someone else ahead of them going that route. It is interesting that Gary’s strong combine performance has seen him drop. Maybe the film backs up the numbers more than previously believed?

Sound off in the comments if you have your own ideas on where Michigan’s guys will go.