Seven Michigan Football Players Projected in 2026 NFL Draft: Who’s Going Where?

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to commence on Thursday night, marking the official start of a three-day event that will place outgoing college football players into the professional ranks. For Michigan football, the anticipation is building. Though the Wolverines are not expected to have a first-round selection on Thursday, the program’s depth and development under head coach Sherrone Moore are set to shine on Friday and Saturday. According to ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid’s full seven-round mock draft, seven former Wolverines will hear their names called. This projection highlights a mix of proven pass rushers, versatile linebackers, and developmental prospects. Let’s break down the selections, analyze the fits, and identify the notable omissions from this year’s class.

Derrick Moore to the Detroit Lions: A Homecoming for Pass Rush Help

The most intriguing projection for Michigan fans comes at pick No. 50 overall, where Reid sends edge rusher Derrick Moore to the Detroit Lions. This is a natural fit for multiple reasons. The Lions ranked 26th in the NFL in pass rush win rate last season (32%), despite having second-team All-Pro edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Moore, who racked up 10 sacks last season for the Wolverines, is exactly the kind of complementary pass rusher Detroit needs.

Moore’s skill set is tailor-made for the Lions’ aggressive defensive scheme. He combines burst off the edge with a powerful bull rush, and his ability to set the edge against the run makes him a three-down asset. In Detroit, he would replace the departed Al-Quadin Muhammad as the primary secondary pass rusher, rotating with Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport. Moore’s motor never stops, and his production in big games—including a key sack against Ohio State—proves he can handle the spotlight. If the Lions want to elevate their pass rush from bottom-tier to top-ten, Moore is a day-two steal.

Jaishawn Barham to the Cleveland Browns: Versatility in the Front Seven

At pick No. 70 overall, Reid projects Jaishawn Barham to the Cleveland Browns. Barham, who transferred from Maryland to Michigan, has been a chess piece for the Wolverines’ defense. He is listed as an edge/linebacker hybrid, and that versatility is exactly what the Browns covet. Cleveland’s defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz loves players who can blitz off the edge, drop into coverage, and set the hard edge against the run.

Barham’s 2025 season was a showcase of his adaptability. He recorded 6.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups while lining up everywhere from the 5-technique to off-ball linebacker. For the Browns, who already boast Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith, Barham would be a rotational piece on early downs and a core special teams contributor. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield gives him a path to immediate playing time. Expect Barham to be a fan favorite in Cleveland for his relentless pursuit and high football IQ.

Other Wolverines Projected in the 2026 Draft: Depth and Development

While Moore and Barham are the headliners, Reid’s mock draft includes five more Michigan players selected on Day 3 (Rounds 4-7). These are the prospects who may not be household names but could become valuable contributors in the NFL. Here is the full breakdown of the remaining projections:

• Keshawn Harris, CB – Projected in the 5th round. Harris has excellent length and ball skills, with 3 interceptions in 2025. He fits as a zone corner who can play press-man in short areas.
• Jake Thaw, WR – Projected in the 6th round. Thaw is a reliable slot receiver with sure hands and plus route-running. He could be a late-round steal for a team needing a chain-mover.
• Amorion Walker, S – Projected in the 6th round. The former wide receiver convert has elite athletic traits and special teams value. His learning curve is steep, but his ceiling is high.
• Myles Hinton, OT – Projected in the 6th round. The massive tackle (6-7, 335 lbs) has starting experience and raw power. He needs technical refinement but offers developmental upside.
• Zeke Berry, LB – Projected in the 7th round. Berry is a downhill thumper who excels against the run. He will need to prove he can cover in the NFL, but his tackling is pro-ready.

These seven selections underscore Michigan’s ability to churn out NFL-caliber talent beyond the first round. The Wolverines’ roster construction under the previous staff emphasized physicality and execution, traits that translate well to the professional level. Even players drafted in the later rounds often become core special teams contributors or rotational starters.

Notable Omissions: Who Was Left Out of the Mock Draft?

Reid’s mock draft is comprehensive, but it does not include every Michigan player with NFL aspirations. Several Wolverines who had productive college careers were left off the board, raising questions about their draft stock. The most notable omissions include:

• Edge rusher TJ Guy – Guy had 5 sacks in 2025 and flashed as a rotational pass rusher. His lack of ideal length and bend may push him to undrafted free agency.
• Offensive linemen Greg Crippen and Giovanni El-Hadi – Both were starters on Michigan’s offensive line, but neither projects as a high-ceiling prospect. Crippen is a savvy center, while El-Hadi is a mauling guard. Both could sign as priority free agents.
• Linebacker Ernest Hausmann – The Nebraska transfer was a tackling machine for Michigan, but his lack of elite speed in coverage hurts his draft stock. He is a candidate for a training camp invite.
• Wide receiver Donaven McCulley – The Indiana transfer had a quiet season in Ann Arbor. At 6-5, he has intriguing size, but his production (only 300 yards) leaves him on the fringe.
• Defensive tackles Damon Payne and Tré Williams – Both were rotational interior defenders. Payne flashed power, while Williams had a strong bowl game. Neither has the pass-rush juice to warrant a draft pick.

These players will likely sign undrafted free agent deals and compete for roster spots. Michigan’s recent track record of developing UDFAs into contributors—like defensive end Mike Morris—gives them a fighting chance. However, the absence of these names from Reid’s mock draft highlights the depth of the Wolverines’ 2026 class and the tough decisions facing NFL teams.

Expert Analysis: What This Draft Class Means for Michigan’s Future

The 2026 NFL Draft projections for Michigan football reveal a program in transition. Without a first-round pick for the first time in three years, the Wolverines are relying on mid-round selections to carry their banner. This is not necessarily a negative. In fact, it speaks to the program’s ability to develop players who may not be elite athletes but are technically sound and scheme-diverse.

Derrick Moore is the crown jewel of this class. His 10-sack season was a breakout, and his fit with the Lions is a match made in football heaven. Detroit’s defensive line coach Terrell Williams is known for maximizing talent, and Moore’s combination of power and tenacity could make him a fan favorite in the Motor City. If he lands in the second round, he will have a chip on his shoulder to prove he was overlooked.

Jaishawn Barham is the wild card. His hybrid skill set makes him a valuable chess piece, but he needs to find a defensive coordinator who will use him creatively. In Cleveland, Schwartz could deploy him as a blitzing linebacker or a situational edge rusher. Barham’s football IQ and versatility give him a high floor, even if his ceiling is limited by average athleticism.

For the remaining five players, the key is landing in the right system. Keshawn Harris could thrive in a zone-heavy defense like the Seahawks or 49ers. Jake Thaw fits best in a West Coast offense that values precise route-running. Myles Hinton needs a patient coaching staff willing to develop his footwork. The draft is not just about talent; it is about opportunity.

Conclusion: Michigan’s NFL Pipeline Remains Strong

The 2026 NFL Draft will not feature a Michigan player on Thursday night, but the Wolverines’ presence on Friday and Saturday is a testament to the program’s sustained success. With seven players projected to be selected—including potential impact players like Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham—Michigan continues to prove that it can develop NFL-ready talent across all positions.

For fans, the draft is a celebration of the hard work these players put in during their college careers. For the NFL teams that select them, it is an investment in players who have been battle-tested in the Big Ten. As the draft unfolds from April 23-25, keep an eye on the Lions and Browns as potential landing spots for Michigan’s top prospects. And for the players left out of the mock draft, remember: undrafted free agents can become legends. The Wolverines’ 2026 class may not have a first-round star, but it has the grit and depth to make an impact at the next level.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.