Initial grades of the 18 UM players at the combine. Who is going to be the "steal" of the draft?
This link from the NFL has the initial grades of the 18 UM players.
https://www.nfl.com/combine/tracker/participants/all-positions/michigan/
I think, Michael Barrett is ranked too low. He will be an excellent special team and above average occassional LB. He does not have the size but should have decent speed. Someone will pick him up in the last round and he will stick around for many years.
February 27th, 2024 at 8:54 PM ^
This is the type of content that was written quickly without much concern for accuracy. Read A.J. Barner's report. They criticize his ability as a receiver and ability to block if not in-line. Must be watching the Indiana tape (or mostly going by career stats).
I thought Barner was a fantastic receiver and one of the best blockers we've ever had. He could have a great NFL career, especially if he ends up on the Chargers.
February 27th, 2024 at 9:07 PM ^
I absolutely do not get the Bo Nix expectations; he's 24 years old and plays in an offense that seemingly anyone can put numbers up in. He's 4 years older than McCarthy and while I think he'll be a serviceable QB in a pinch he's probably much closer to his ceiling than McCarthy. I don't know if JJ will be a star QB in the NFL given some of his necessary growing pains but I'd definitely bet on him over a guy 4 years older than him who was mediocre in an offense that wasn't optimized for the QB.
Beyond that, I think Zinter and Jones will be steals if they go outside of the first 2 rounds, and Barner is going to surprise a ton of people both athletically as well as his play on the field.
February 27th, 2024 at 11:20 PM ^
Got to agree on Barrett. He seems like a shoe-in as (at the least) a first class special teams guy.
February 28th, 2024 at 1:08 AM ^
I feel like the majority of the top QB prospects over the years have either been flat out busts or still quality starters, but not really super stars. Teams that have a top 5 pick always seem to draft the hottest commodity, rather than the best on film, so you end up with the 3rd or 4th QB taken having the best career.
I think JJ fits that description perfectly, as those of us who have been watching him know how good he is. Most pundits recognize it, but still insist the other options are better.
JJ will be a star.
I also think people are severely undervaluing Wilson.
February 28th, 2024 at 9:10 AM ^
These scouts appear to be highly guarded against giving high ratings for fear of said player being average, or a bust, and an NFL team wasting big money in the process.
February 28th, 2024 at 10:29 AM ^
JJ's a winner. He does the things to win football games and has obvious football smarts.
Those things are measurables, but in the long run I think he'll be the steal of the draft. Other gifts to the team that drafts them will be Sainristil, Corum and Zinter.