Way Too Early 2025 Thought - Most 1st Round Draft Selections Ever?
Given our potentially historically deep draft class which is vying for the most draft picks from a single school ever, I'm sure many of our rivals think the cupboard has been left bare, though they may budge on saying we'll have a good defense headlined by our two top ten DT's.
We Michigan faithful, of course, know differently however as, with the exception of Quarterback, maybe Wide Receiver, and second Corner, we have sure fire talent/experience returning across the board.
I would even venture to argue that our 2025 NFL Draft Class, though not as large, may be far more highly coveted in the NFL's eyes than our current one, which currently has one projected 1st rounder (our fearless leader JJ). So much so, I think we could break the record for most 1st rounders taken from a single school, but I would love my fellow MGoBloggers to trash my terribly illogical take and talk some sense into me!
I hadn't really thought of it until the other day when I was watching a Madden Franchise video (I know, but its as reliable a source as any of the million clownshow "experts" with their mock drafts) which had 6 Michigan players go in the first round. In alphabetical order the individuals taken were as follows:
- Colston Loveland (Mid)
- Derrick Moore (Mid)
- Donovan Edwards (Late)
- Kenneth Grant (Early)
- Mason Graham (Early)
- Will Johnson (Early)
I don't know about you, but I couldn't really make an argument as to the picks being ridiculous, especially if Dono bounces back and Moore expands on the 5 sacks he got this year in his limited role. Then I looked it up and according to this NCAA article:
"2004 Miami tied 2021 Alabama for the record for most first-round picks at six"
If the above remains true we would tie the record, but why stop there?? I could make an argument for a number of our other players, chief among them being Rod Moore. There is also a possibility of one of our OL breaking out and becoming a first rounder per Kirk Campbell ($).
So do y'all think I am insane for thinking this way? Any other first rounders that didn't make the list?
I think right now the only surefire candidate to be a first rounder next year is Will Johnson. He will likely be the first corner off the board, but beyond that, I don't see any certainties right now. There are definitely candidates, though.
Graham is probably the best DT in college football, but I've read that he may not be considered a first rounder because he doesn't have the prototypical size that the league is looking for with its DTs. He's got all the other tools, but supposedly not the size. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Kenneth Grant gets drafted before Graham, simply based on his physical attributes. Grant probably has a lot more upside solely based on that.
There are other guys who have the potential to turn into first rounders, but they need more production. Derrick Moore is a possibility, and Loveland could, but I think his stock will probably be hampered this year by the lack of a passing game. He has all the tools, but he may not get as much of a chance to put them on display this season just based off who's throwing to him.
I've heard Rod Moore's name quite a bit so he can definitely work his way in there. I don't know if he has the prototypical speed and athleticism that the league looks for in first round safeties (maybe he does, I don't pay enough attention to know), but he's got the production to back it up.
Wouldn't get your hopes up on Edwards. He has some elite tools, and I was hoping this past season he'd build off a great 2022 campaign, but he would need to BLOW UP big time, particularly in the passing game, to warrant first round consideration. And I just don't think there will be enough of a passing game on display that will allow him to do that.
If Graham, Johnson, and Grant were all eligible for this years draft, all 3 probably go in the top 15 picks. The first two go top ten for sure and are both the first player at their positions drafted. I can't remember a returning defense this stacked with star power in cfb. Probably have to go back to some Miami Hurricane team.
Johnson pog in the NC and Graham pog in the Rose Bowl. Graham is maybe the best player in cfb at any position and a legitimate heisman contender. He really isn't getting nearly enough hype. Think Brian that said we could be in for a Suh type of season out of him and thats real.
We have 3 1st rounders and some others that might be 1st 2nd or 3rd rounders at worst.