stephenrjking

April 29th, 2017 at 2:34 PM ^

Hard to predict the last two rounds. We could see an OL (or two!) and Smith and Stribling and Thomas.

Or none of them.

I think someone should take a flyer on Stribling. He was really good. 

Frank Chuck

April 29th, 2017 at 4:40 PM ^

But I expect him to be UDFA. If he doesn't get injured, he probably gets drafted.

Edit: Clark was just picked by the Jets in the 6th round! I'm pleasantly surprised and very happy for Clark.

If he recovers from his injury, he will absolutely be a good player in the NFL. I hope the Jets stay patient and truly give Clark a chance to prove himself. He's an excellent fit in the Jets defensive scheme.

But I'm surprised Clark was picked before Channing Stribling.

OwenGoBlue

April 29th, 2017 at 2:39 PM ^

Stribling and Mags - definitely. Deveon and Braden probably. Clark, Thomas, Godin, Kenny Allen and Kalis all just might.

With 100ish picks left there's a real chance at 15+.

Mr. Yost

April 29th, 2017 at 2:42 PM ^

ESPN: Best Players Available

Braden #48

Smith #83

Kalis #124

Stribling #127

Thomas #160

Clark #186

 

 

About 100 picks left...

Braden looks to be in a safer zone. Smith, Kalis, Stribling right there on the bubble. Thomas and Clark look like they'll be uFAs.

DrMantisToboggan

April 29th, 2017 at 3:43 PM ^

More so than anyone else they would draft in the 6th or 7th round? You're not exactly picking from All-Americans at that point. If your team needs depth at the power back position, and you know Smith is tough, coached by an NFL guy, a strong pass blocker...seems like a weird pick to be upset about in the last two rounds. Remember, Tom Brady happened once. Down here you are looking for depth and valuable practice squad guys.

1974

April 29th, 2017 at 2:51 PM ^

If you figure that 40-something offensive linemen will be taken in the draft, it boggles the mind that anyone from Michigan's crew is even in the conversation.

To put it another way, it's hard for me to believe that there aren't forty O-linemen in the draft better than our best guy (Braden / Magnuson).

OwenGoBlue

April 29th, 2017 at 2:55 PM ^

The draft threads prove Michigan fans will never miss an opportunity to take shots at OL.

Mags is a good player and Braden/Kalis have the measurables and a lot of starts. Down year for OL talent. Somebody's getting drafted.

1974

April 29th, 2017 at 3:19 PM ^

I didn't think I was taking a shot, but whatever ...

They're not bad players. Given how things have gone so far for Michigan, I won't be totally surprised if one is drafted. But, nothing about them (Braden's measurables aside) has ever said "NFL" to me. They all have significant weaknesses.

As for it being a "down" year, that might make sense at the top end, but it makes no sense statistically overall (which is what would matter here).

ST3

April 29th, 2017 at 3:28 PM ^

believe it or not, some consider that taking a shot. We had the 2nd best YPC in a P5 conference and a better pass blocking unit than OSU. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mags get drafted.

OwenGoBlue

April 29th, 2017 at 4:12 PM ^

This year the consensus seems to be there are fewer OL considered to be NFL-ready players at each level of the draft. The NFL has need for a significant influx of OL each year through the draft. Michigan has three OL who might benefit from this and be drafted instead of just camp invites. How does that not make sense statistically?

"Boggles the mind" was what read as a shot to me. Agree they have significant weaknesses but I think we tend to overrate the quality of NFL OL when evaluating college guys; there are a number of depth/project guys in the league and the starters aren't always awesome (just look at Seattle).

Now I just need one of these last 65 picks to make me look good... was feeling more bullish after the takeover of rounds 3 and 4.

TrueBlue2003

April 29th, 2017 at 3:41 PM ^

FA if they want to get a look in camp.  Not any different unless they strongly feel that someone else will take him after they pick in the seventh. Also can't see J'ville taking a second RB when they already have Ivory and Yeldon on the roster.

Perkis-Size Me

April 29th, 2017 at 4:10 PM ^

My guess is DeVeon and Channing. Braden and Magnuson may get a sixth or seventh round flyer but I won't be surprised if they don't.

As far as Kalis, Clark, Thomas and Godin, my guess is they will be UDFAs, but I hope they get calls too.

chatster

April 29th, 2017 at 4:22 PM ^

Please have the Denver Broncos use the last pick in the draft (number 253 in roiund seven) to pick a Michigan player.  It would make the "Mr. Irrelevant Week" at the beginning of June bigger than the presidential inauguration and all the subsequent worldwide marches. Go Blue!

Lee Everett

April 29th, 2017 at 4:55 PM ^

As I type this there are 46 more selections to be made (Cardinals are up)

Ben Braden is 25th on Best Player Available, Deveon Smith 54th, Kyle Kalis 87th, Channing Stribling 90th.