NFL Mock Draft Simulation 5.0: Where Michigan players stand with a month to go

COVID-19 and worldwide restrictions have changed the landscape of all of our lives, let alone the lead up to the 2020 NFL Draft for the Michigan Wolverines. As of now, the NFL plans to hold its event on April 23-25, though it will now be in a controlled studio environment as opposed to live in Las Vegas. The show must go on.

With that in mind, we simulated all 7-rounds via The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Simulator to see where the board currently has Michigan prospects set to go. It is worth noting that they are constantly updating their boards to reflect trends in the pre-draft process, their own scouting and more leading up to the event in late April (assuming it happens on time).

Miami Dolphins (Round 1, Pick No. 26) — Cesar Ruiz, IOL

This is the highest that Ruiz has gone in these projections to date, further pointing to the buzz that he may wind up as a first round pick. The Dolphins went with Tua Tagovailoa at No. 5 in this scenario, so they are giving him help up front.

Arizona Cardinals (Round 3, Pick No. 72)— Joshua Uche, EDGE

Uche not participating in combine workouts probably hurt the ceiling of where he could be drafted, but the floor still seems to be somewhere on day two. If NFL GMs can get past his limited snaps at Michigan, he could go higher than this and sneak back into the second round.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 3, Pick No. 73) — Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR

A huge combine has not done a ton to boost DPJ’s draft stock, but all of the athletic traits are there. There is still something to unlock in his game if the right team can find it.

Los Angeles Rams (Round 4, Pick No. 126) — Ben Bredeson, IOL

Bredeson is a steady prospect who does have starting potential, but at the very least figures to be a key rotational or depth piece.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 5, Pick No. 161) — Michael Onwenu, IOL

Onwenu seems somewhat locked in as a player who will be drafted somewhere in that fifth-to-sixth round range.

Arizona Cardinals (Round 7, Pick No. 222) — Lavert Hill, CB

Lavert Hill has bounced between the seventh round and undrafted in these projections. All it takes is one team, though.

Dallas Cowboys (Round 7, Pick No. 231): Jon Runyan Jr., OT

Runyan has NFL blood running through his veins and should be a sneaky good pick anywhere on day three, let alone the seventh round.

San Francisco 49ers (Round 7, Pick No. 245): Mike Danna, EDGE

Surprise! This is the first time that Danna has appeared on this list as a draftee. It is hard to get a read on his status given that he was a rotational piece last season at Michigan. But people who put on the film from last year and also his time at Central Michigan should find an edge rusher worth taking a shot on late.

Not drafted: LB/S Khaleke Hudson, S Josh Metellus, QB Shea Patterson, TE Sean McKeon

Not much changes here outside of a new addition. The first three guys should wind up on training camp rosters, but still no signs of movement in terms of their draft stocks. McKeon has been in the late rounds in most projections, so him being left off is a new development.

Other Big Ten Picks

2. Washington Redskins — Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
6. Los Angeles Chargers — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
10. Cleveland Browns — Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
22. Minnesota Vikings — Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin
28. Baltimore Ravens — J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
35. Detroit Lions — Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
36. New York Giants — A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
38. Carolina Panthers — Jonah Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
41. Cleveland Browns — Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
50. Chicago Bears — Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
56. Miami Dolphins — K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
59. Seattle Seahawks — Davon Hamilton, IDL, Ohio State
67. Detroit Lions — Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
91. Las Vegas Raiders — Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
100. New England Patriots — Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin
113. Carolina Panthers — K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
114. Arizona Cardinals — Joe Bachie Jr., LB, Michigan State
123. Dallas Cowboys — Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
125. New England Patriots — Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
129. Baltimore Ravens — Geno Stone, S, Iowa
137. Jacksonville Jaguars — Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland
143. Atlanta Falcons — Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue
151. Los Angeles Chargers — Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
153. Miami Dolphins — Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan State
163. Chicago Bears — Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
172. New England Patriots — Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland
192. Green Bay Packers — Mohamed Barry, LB, Nebraska
196. Chicago Bears — Lamar Jackson, CB, Nebraska
205. Minnesota Vikings — Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
213. New England Patriots — Raequan Williams, IDL, Michigan State
221. Carolina Panthers — David Dowell, S, Michigan State
227. Miami Dolphins — Binjimen Victor, WR, Ohio State
229. Washington Redskins — Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota
230. New England Patriots — Austin Mack, WR, Ohio State
233. Chicago Bears — Robert Landers, IDL, Ohio State
248. Houston Texans — Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State
250. Houston Texans — Chris Williamson, CB, Minnesota