After having three first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Michigan Wolverines were shut out of the 2026 first round. While not overly surprising given the struggles of the 2025 Wolverines and the distractions of the coaching staff, it’s always unusual for a program of Michigan’s caliber to not have a high-end pick.
Looking ahead to next year’s draft, will Michigan get back into the first round? If so, what player is the most likely to be the pick?
Perusing through the Michigan roster, there are surprisingly few options. However, that’s mainly due to the youth movement on the Wolverine roster. Several key returning players such as Bryce Underwood, Andrew Marsh, and Savion Hiter won’t be eligible to declare for the draft just yet. Offensive linemen Andrew Sprague and Jake Guarnera will technically be eligible as they will be redshirt sophomores this fall, but both are likely to stay and develop further.
Offensively, Jordan Marshall seems to be the only viable candidate. The redshirt sophomore running back was a workhorse for the 2025 Wolverines, especially after running mate Justice Haynes went down with a season-ending injury. Marshall is a violent runner who punishes smaller defenders. He will need to develop his pass catching abilities and vision this coming season if he wants to mature into a first round pick.
The defensive side of the ball has a few more options. Trey Pierce has separated himself as one of the best players on the Michigan roster. The senior nose tackle is easily Michigan’s best defensive lineman and plays a premium position that the NFL tends to love. Enow Etta is another defensive tackle who certainly has the capability to break out this season as a full-fledged starter.
Prior to his injury, John Henry Daley would have looked like a lock to be in the first round of the NFL Draft. There is still uncertainty surrounding when he’ll return to action and whether he’ll be fully back to his old self. However, if Daley can return as he was or stronger, he has a good chance at being picked in the first round.
Lastly, Kyle Whittingham and his staff were able to retain two cornerbacks who could both blossom into first round picks in Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry. Berry entered the transfer portal during the coaching change but new defensive coordinator Jay Hill was able to talk him into staying. Both Hill and Berry have All-Conference aspirations and should be playing on Sundays in some capacity.
Michigan is much more likely to have a first round pick in 2027 than they were in 2026, but will it happen? Who do you think is most likely to develop into a first round pick from the current Michigan roster? Which would you want on your favorite NFL team?