Despite a Down Year, Michigan’s Championship Defense Could Deliver First-Round NFL Talent Again

Two seasons ago, the University of Michigan captured its first national championship since 1997, thanks largely to one of the best defenses in school history. That dominant unit helped send multiple players to the 2024 NFL Draft, including top-100 picks like defensive lineman Kris Jenkins Jr. (Bengals), cornerback Mike Sainristil (Commanders), and linebacker Junior Colson (Chargers).

While Michigan didn’t return to those heights in 2024, several key defenders from that title-winning squad remain highly regarded NFL prospects. Defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, along with cornerback Will Johnson, are all in the mix to be selected in the first round of the upcoming draft.

So, what caused the Wolverines’ slide in 2024?

A massive talent exodus played a big role. Thirteen Michigan players were drafted last spring, five of them from that elite defense. That kind of turnover — especially on offense — left a void in both leadership and production. With the offense unable to replicate the previous year’s success, the defense was left under extra pressure and experienced a dip in its own performance. Still, the top-end talent remained.

Mason Graham is expected to be the first Wolverine off the board. Despite battling a left heel bruise that sidelined him during the NFL Combine, Graham is a highly disruptive, athletic interior lineman. He played all 12 games in 2024, registering seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while taking on a larger role due to depth issues on the defensive line. While his raw stats don’t jump off the page, his quickness and ability to penetrate opposing lines make him one of the most unique defensive tackles in this class — potentially a top-five pick if healthy.

Kenneth Grant, Graham’s running mate on the line, complements him well with sheer power. At 330 pounds, Grant is a force at the point of attack, posting nearly identical stats (seven tackles for loss, three sacks) while anchoring the middle. He projects as a classic nose tackle at the next level and impressed teams with his rare blend of size and athleticism. While interior run defenders are less valued in today’s NFL, Grant’s traits fall under the classic “planet theory” — there just aren’t many humans his size who can move like he can. He’s a strong candidate to be selected in the first round.

Will Johnson, once viewed as a near-lock to be a top-five pick, enters the draft with more uncertainty. A standout on the 2023 championship team, Johnson had an up-and-down 2024 season due to injuries. He battled a shoulder issue and later turf toe, both of which kept him out of the combine. A hamstring injury also prevented him from participating in Michigan’s pro day. Concerns about his long speed are now part of the conversation, but his tape still shows elite potential. Despite the medical red flags, Johnson’s upside as a true shutdown corner will likely earn him a spot late in the first round.

Other Michigan defenders, such as edge rusher Josaiah Stewart and safety Makari Paige, are also draft hopefuls this year, but the spotlight is firmly on Graham, Grant, and Johnson — three players who carried forward the legacy of that title-winning defense and now have a chance to make an impact in the NFL.