The Michigan football team will play Alabama in the Rose Bowl in a few weeks, meaning there is (at least) one more game left in the 2023 campaign. But it’s never too early to consider what might exist for Michigan in 2024.
After every season, there may be a significant amount of roster turnover due to the transfer portal, NFL Draft selections, and graduations. We’ll examine Michigan’s defense today and make some predictions about which players will be around in 2023.
Older People (Technically)
S Makari Paige, DL Kris Jenkins, Edge Jaylen Harrell, and Edge Braiden McGregor
These guys find themselves in an intriguing situation because, because of their extended tenure, they are still eligible for a bonus year in 2020.
Here, Jaylen Harrell and Kris Jenkins are two names that particularly stick out. If Jenkins were to declare, he would be a lock for a draft pick, and given that he almost made it a year ago, it looks like he’s a good bet to advance. Harrell, who leads the Wolverines in sacks with 6.5, may also be a candidate to leave.
Although Makari Paige and Braiden McGregor performed admirably in their limited playing time this season, they would both benefit from an additional year of education.
Forecast: Paige and McGregor return; Jenkins and Harrell join the NFL
The most likely member of this group to be gone is Junior Colson. He was highly anticipated going into the season and was probably a day-two draft pick. His season-long dominance as Michigan’s top tackler has only served to reinforce that distinction.
Josaiah Stewart and Rod Moore are both intriguing examples. Moore had a respectable season, but he fell short of the progression supporters had anticipated. Stewart performed admirably as well, though it appears that he is capable of more. Being only six feet one inch doesn’t help him either. Although they might both benefit from one more year of college, it wouldn’t be shocking if they attempted to advance.
DL Sophomores Kenneth Grant, CB, Mason Graham, DL LB Will Johnson Ernest Hausmann, S. Keon Sabb, and Edge Derrick Moore
Assuming nothing unexpected happens, all of these guys will return.Following excellent sophomore campaigns, defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant ought to be the starting lineup. By 2024, the two of them ought to be regarded as the nation’s top defensive tackle duo. Ernest Hausmann and Will Johnson will also be guaranteed starting positions.
