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.
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.
Nah, those cheaters from Colombus had 12 last year in the first 4 rounds alone.
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.
If Clark got his 6th year, he'd easily be a top 100 prospect next season. But the NCAA knows best....
Stribling is being massively underrated as well. 2nd best CB in 2016 in terms of completion percentage against. And with Jordan Lewis on the other side, it's not like he wasn't picked on.
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.
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).
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).
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.
seems like he could be a real sleeper if things click for him. Anyone know what he ran the 40 in at M's pro day? His measurables are elite, iirc.
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.
Thomas an Clark I think can play in the NFL.
NO ONE is ever successful being drafted in the 6th Round!!
GO BLUE!!
Not sure how much the best available means..... 6 michigan players in the top 150. With 2 rounds left not bad odds.
Some team might take a runner on Kenny Allen in the 7th with a compensation pick....
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!
And with Clark's selection, every one of us who said no way to him getting drafted after that injury shows how much we don't know. Congrats to Jeremy!
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.