Michigan's NFL Draft History

Jake Long

Probably like many of you, I occasionally have a hankering for some Michigan NFL Draft history. Below you will find (as far as I'm aware) every pro draft pick in the history of Michigan's football program going all the way back to 1937. The plan is to update this list after this year's draft and keep updating it when appropriate.

Michigan's only two #1 overall NFL Draft picks are Jake Long in 2008 and Tom Harmon in 1941.

2015
2nd round: Devin Funchess - WR - Carolina Panthers (#41 overall)
2nd round: Frank Clark - DE - Seattle Seahawks (#63 overall)
4th round: Jake Ryan - LB - Green Bay Packers (#129 overall)

2014
1st round: Taylor Lewan - OT - Tennessee Titans (#11 overall)
3rd round: Michael Schofield - OT - Denver Broncos (#95 overall)
7th round: Jeremy Gallon - WR - New England Patriots (#244 overall)

2013
5th round: Denard Robinson - RB - Jacksonville Jaguars (#135)
6th round: William Campbell - DT - New York Jets (#178)

Hit the jump for the remainder of Michigan's historical draft picks.

Review of 2007 Recruiting: Offensive Linemen

David Molk

THE ROSTER
Adam Kraus, RS Sr.
Jake Long, RS Sr.
Jeremy Ciulla, RS Jr.
Grant DeBenedictis, RS Jr.
Brett Gallimore, RS Jr.
Alex Mitchell, RS Jr.
Tim McAvoy, RS So.
David Moosman, RS So.
Mark Ortmann, RS So.
Cory Zirbel, RS So.
Justin Boren, So.
Perry Dorrestein, RS Fr.
Stephen Schilling, RS Fr.

THE COMMITS
Mark Huyge
High school: Grand Rapids (MI) Catholic Central
Ratings: Rivals 3-star, #65 OT
College: Michigan
Other notable offers: Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan
Scoop: Huyge redshirted as a freshman in 2007. Huyge didn't play at all during the 2008 season, but he turned into a nine game starter (five at guard, four at tackle) as a redshirt sophomore. He started another seven games at tackle in 2010 and became the full-time starter at right tackle as a fifth year senior in 2011. He was not drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft and his football career appears to be finished.

David Molk
High school: Lemont (IL) Lemont
Ratings: Rivals 3-star, #5 C
College: Michigan
Other notable offers: Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern, Purdue, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Scoop: Molk redshirted as a freshman in 2007 but became a full-time starter in 2008 and never looked back. He started four games as a redshirt sophomore in 2009 but was sidelined by foot and knee injuries. As a redshirt junior in 2010, he was First Team All-Big Ten, a Rimington Trophy finalist, and the team's top lineman after starting all thirteen games. During his fifth year season in 2011, he won the Rimington Trophy and was a First Team All-American. He was drafted in the 7th round (#226 overall) by the San Diego Chargers. He played in twelve games for the Chargers but was released prior to the 2013 season. The Philadelphia Eagles signed him earlier this offseason.

THE TARGETS
Bryan Bulaga
High school: Woodstock (IL) Marian Central Catholic
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #6 OT, #70 overall
College: Iowa
Other notable offers: Nebraska, Wisconsin
Scoop: Bulaga started five games as a freshman in 2007 and was named Freshman All-Big Ten. As a sophomore in 2008, he became the full-time starter at left guard and was named Second Team All-Big Ten. He missed a few games in 2009 but was still named first team all-conference and a First Team All-America. He left Iowa after his true junior year and became a 1st round pick (#23 overall) by the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 NFL Draft. He has been a starter at both right and left tackle in the NFL and was an All-Rookie player in 2011, but he missed the 2013 season due to a torn ACL.

Jaivorio Burkes
High school: Phoenix (AZ) Moon Valley
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #7 OG
College: Nebraska
Other notable offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Oregon
Scoop: Burkes started two games as a true freshman in 2007 and four more as a sophomore in 2008, but his career ended before the 2009 season when a medical condition was discovered.

Patrick Crump
High school: Hoover (AL) Hoover
Ratings: Rivals 3-star, #20 OG
College: Alabama
Other notable offers: Kentucky, Louisville, Purdue
Scoop: Crump redshirted in 2007 and had some minor knee issues during the spring of 2008, but then he quit football prior to the 2008 season.

John Elliott
High school: East Meadow (NY) East Meadow
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #16 OT
College: Boston College
Other notable offers: Maryland, Rutgers, Virginia, West Virginia
Scoop: Elliott - who is no relation to former Michigan and NFL tackle Jumbo Elliott - redshirted as a freshman in 2007. From what I can gather, he did not continue his football career beyond that season.

Mark Jackson
High school: Cincinnati (OH) Harmony Prep
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #23 prep player
College: Illinois
Other notable offers: Michigan State, Oklahoma, West Virginia
Scoop: Jackson redshirted as a freshman in 2007. He left Illinois for DuPage Junior College in 2008 and then transferred to Glenville State, where he started at left tackle for three consecutive seasons and was named All-WVIAC each year. He was not drafted by the NFL and now plays for the Spokane Shock of the Arena Football League (along with former Michigan defensive tackle Terrance Taylor).

Josh Oglesby
High school: Milwaukee (WI) St. Frances
Ratings: Rivals 5-star, #1 OT, #10 overall
College: Wisconsin
Other notable offers: Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC
Scoop: Oglesby redshirted as a freshman in 2007 before starting three, ten, and two games in the successive seasons, missing portions of each with knee problems. He finally stayed healthy and blossomed as a fifth year senior in 2011 when he started thirteen games and was named First Team All-Big Ten. He went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft and was signed by the Washington Redskins, but his knee problems forced him to fail his physicals and his career ended. He spent 2013 as a graduate assistant at Wisconsin.

Maurkice Pouncey
High school: Lakeland (FL) Lakeland
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #15 OG
College: Florida
Other notable offers: Clemson, Florida State, Miami, Nebraska
Scoop: Pouncey started eleven games as a freshman in 2007 and fourteen as a sophomore in 2008. As a true junior in 2009, he was a First Team All-American and All-SEC as Florida's center, also winning the Rimgton Trophy. He left college early and entered the 2010 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the 1st round (#18 overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was named to the Pro Bowl following the 2010

Michael Pouncey
High school: Lakeland (FL) Lakeland
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #16 OG
College: Florida
Other notable offers: Clemson, Florida State, Miami, Nebraska
Scoop: Maurkice's twin brother, Mike played defensive tackle as a freshman in 2007 due to some injuries on the team, making 8 tackles and 1 interception. As a sophomore in 2008, he started all fourteen games at offensive guard and was named Second Team All-SEC. He became a Second Team All-American as a junior in 2009. Then as a senior in 2010, he moved to center (replacing his brother, who went to the NFL) and became Second Team All-SEC. He was drafted in the 1st round (#15 overall) by the Miami Dolphins in the 2011 NFL Draft. He has started 46 games for the Dolphins from 2011-2013 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013.

Chaz Ramsey
High school: Madison (MS) Central
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #12 OG
College: Auburn
Other notable offers: Mississippi, Mississippi State, South Carolina
Scoop: Ramsey started ten games as a true freshman in 2007 and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team, also earning Honorable Mention Freshman All-America. Ramsey injured his back prior to the 2008 season, which ended his career; that injury instigated a lawsuit against Auburn's athletic trainer, whom Ramsey blamed for the permanent injury during his rehab.

Matt Romine
High school: Tulsa (OK) Union
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #3 OT, #55 overall
College: Notre Dame
Other notable offers: Florida, Miami, Oklahoma
Scoop: Romine played sparingly as a freshman in 2007, which garnered him a redshirt, and then was a backup for the next two years. As a redshirt junior in 2010, he made three starts in the middle of the year. He was a grad year transfer to Tulsa in 2011 and started all thirteen games that season. He was not drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft and was not picked up by a pro team, as far as I can tell.

Darris Sawtelle
High school: Birmingham (MI) Brother Rice
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #10 OT,
College: Tennessee Grand Valley State
Other notable offers: Michigan State, Nebraska
Scoop: Sawtelle redshirted at Tennessee in 2007 and did not see game action in 2008. When Lane Kiffin was hired at Tennessee, he and Sawtelle didn't see eye to eye, so Sawtelle transferred to Grand Valley State in 2009. He played ten games that season but appears to have left the team prior to 2010.

Mitchell Schwartz
High school: Pacific Palisades (CA) Palisades
Ratings: Rivals 3-star, #27 OT
College: Cal
Other notable offers: Oregon, Stanford, Virginia
Scoop: Schwartz redshirted in 2007 but immediately drew into the lineup as a redshirt freshman, starting the next 51 games of his career at Cal. He was Second Team All-Pac 10 as a redshirt junior in 2010 and moved up to First Team as a fifth year senior in 2011. He was a 2nd round pick (#37 overall) by the Cleveland Browns in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has started all 32 games of his pro career.

Derek Sherrod
High school: Columbus (MS) Caledonia
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #13 OT
College: Mississippi State
Other notable offers: Florida, Miami, Mississippi, Notre Dame
Scoop: Sherrod was a backup as a freshman in 2007 but became a starter for the 2008-2010 seasons, getting the nod at left tackle in his final 36 games. He was First Team All-SEC as a senior in 2010. He was a 1st round pick (#32 overall) by the Green Bay Packers in the 2011 NFL Draft. He has played in just twelve games during his three-year NFL career, partly due to a broken leg that robbed him of part of 2011 and all of 2012.

Donald Stephenson
High school: Blue Springs (MO) Blue Springs
Ratings: Rivals 3-star, #34 OT
College: Oklahoma
Other notable offers: Missouri, Nebraska
Scoop: Stephenson redshirted as a freshman in 2007 before playing in seven games as a backup in 2008. He missed the 2009 season, partially due to injury, but returned to start ten games in 2010 and total 103 knockdown blocks, which was second on Oklahoma's line. As a fifth year senior in 2011, he was Honorable Mention All-Big 12. He was drafted in the 3rd round (#74 overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2012 NFL Draft, and he has started 14 games over the last two seasons.

Stefen Wisniewski
High school: Pittsburgh (PA) Central Catholic
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #8 OG
College: Penn State
Other notable offers: Georgia Tech, Northwestern, West Virginia
Scoop: Wisniewski played in eight games and started one as a true freshman in 2007, earning him Freshman All-Big Ten honors. He became a full-time starter at right guard for the 2008 season. Moving from guard to center for his junior year in 2009, Wisniewski was named First Team All-Big Ten. Not only did he maintain that status a year later, but he added First Team All-America in 2010. He was selected in the 2nd round (#45 overall) by the Oakland Raiders in the 2011 NFL Draft and has started all 45 games he has played since entering the league, both at guard and center.

Lee Ziemba
High school: Rogers (AR) Rogers
Ratings: Rivals 4-star, #4 OT, 61 overall
College: Auburn
Other notable offers: Arkansas, Nebraska, Notre Dame, USC
Scoop: Ziemba started thirteen games as a true freshman in 2007 and was named a Freshman All-America, and he started twelve more games as a sophomore. With thirteen starts as a junior in 2009, he was named Second Team All-SEC. As a senior in 2010, he was an All-American and First Team All-SEC after starting all fourteen games, and the SEC coaches gave him the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which is awarded to the conference's best blocker. Overall, he started 52 games for Auburn. He was drafted in the 7th round (#244 overall) by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2011 NFL Draft and played six games for them in 2011, but he has not played since then.

CONCLUSIONS
Biggest miss: Mike Pouncey. This is a difficult choice because Michigan recruited several good players. I could probably choose Maurkice Pouncey, Stefen Wisniewski, or Bryan Bulaga here, too. However, Michigan got a good center in Molk, so Maurkice Pouncey would have been a luxury, although he could have played guard next to Molk. Wisniewski, too, could have been a guard for Michigan. But Mike Pouncey had success at both guard and center, and while I thought Michigan was able to piece together some quality tackle play over the years, the interior of the line seemed a little more questionable. If you plug in Mike Pouncey at right or left guard during the Rodriguez years, I think that would have helped quite a bit.

Biggest bust: John Elliott. I can find no record of injury or family strife for Elliott, who it appears quit football entirely. Either way, he was the #16 offensive tackle in the country and appears not to have played a single down of college football.

Best in class: Maurkice Pouncey. Really, there are lots of options, as several guys turned into high level draft picks and solid NFL players. Pouncey, though, won the Rimington Trophy, became the #18 pick as a center (which is very high to pick a center), and was a Pro Bowler for his first few years in the league, stopped only by a torn ACL at the beginning of 2013.

Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: Jason Avant

It was a strong week for our former Michigan athletes, but no one had a more eye-popping performance than Philadelphia Eagle Jason Avant. His team won 23-21 over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he finished with seven receptions for 133 yards, including one of the most impressive one-handed grabs you'll ever see. Avant has 38 receptions for 495 yards through 13 games, and his play looks to be improving alongside that of QB Nick Foles.  Teammate Brandon Graham had two tackles in the win.

Honorable mention:  Stevie Brown picked off Drew Brees twice as his Giants routed the Saints; he returned the two interceptions a total of 91 yards.  Brown is now second in the NFL with seven interceptions and is also the Giants' new single-season record holder for most interception return yards with 259.  In addition to the picks, Brown had eight tackles, 2 pass breakups, and a forced fumble in the game.

Miscellaneous: 

• Tom Brady and the Patriots beat up on the one-loss Texas by a score of 42-14.  Brady threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns and torched the Texans on play action.  He is quietly having another MVP-caliber season.
• David Molk, banged up after nearly a full NFL season, was placed on the Injured Reserve for the Chargers.  The move cleared up a roster spot that was filled by a healthy lineman, fellow Wolverine and current teammate Stephen Schilling. 
• After being released by the Seahawks, Braylon Edwards re-signed with one of his former teams, the New York Jets.
• Martell Webb was released from the Colts' practice squad.
• Cam Cameron, who coached at Michigan from '83 to '93, was fired as the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.
• David Harris recorded 10 tackles and a sack in a win over the Jaguars.  He has a team-leading 101 tackles through 13 games.
• Steve Hutchinson was placed on the Injured Reserve for the Titans due to a knee injury.
• Jonas Mouton recorded his first career tackle against the Bengals earlier in the month.
• Chad Henne went a dismal 21/43 passing with zero touchdowns and two interceptions in his third start of the year.  Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville's starter to begin the season, was recently placed on the IR, so Henne should get a few more games to prove he's starter-quality.   

2012 NFL Draft: Picks from the Big Ten

Iowa tackle Riley Reiff was the highest Big Ten draft pick at #23 overall to the Detroit Lions

Here's a list of all (or most, anyway) of the draft picks from the Big Ten and other Michigan opponents over the past couple seasons (UConn, Mississippi State, San Diego State, Virginia Tech, etc.).  Illinois had four players taken in the first two rounds, yet Ron Zook still found a way to make that team suck.

1st round
12. Fletcher Cox - DT - Mississippi State (Eagles)
13. Michael Floyd - WR - Notre Dame (Cardinals)
23. Riley Reiff - OT - Iowa (Lions)
26. Whitney Mercilus - DE - Illinois (Texans)
27. Kevin Zeitler - OG - Wisconsin (Bengals)
29. Harrison Smith - SS - Notre Dame (Vikings)
30. A.J. Jenkins - WR - Illinois (49ers)
32. David Wilson - RB - Virginia Tech (Giants)

2nd round
44. Jeff Allen - OT - Illinois (Chiefs)
48. Tavon Wilson - FS - Illinois (Patriots)
49. Kendall Reyes - DT - UConn (Chargers)
51. Jerel Worthy - DT - Michigan State (Packers)
53. Devon Still - DT - Penn State (Bengals)
55. Peter Konz - C - Wisconsin (Falcons)
56. Mike Adams - OT - Ohio State (Steelers)
58. Lavonte David - LB - Nebraska (Buccaneers)

3rd round68. DeVier Posey - WR - Ohio State (Texans)
75. Russell Wilson - QB - Wisconsin (Seahawks)
82. Mike Martin - DT - Michigan (Titans)
94. Jayron Hosley - CB - Virginia Tech (Giants)

4th round
102. Kirk Cousins - QB - Michigan State (Redskins)
121. Keshawn Martin - WR - Michigan State (Texans)
122. Nick Toon - WR - Wisconsin (Saints)
126. Jared Crick - DT - Nebraska (Texans)
129. Miles Burris - LB - San Diego State (Raiders)
137. Mike Daniels - DT - Iowa (Packers)

5th round
139. Robert Blanton - CB - Notre Dame (Vikings)
141. Adam Gettis - OG - Iowa (Redskins)
149. Jonnie Troutman - OG - Penn State (Chargers)
152. Danny Coale - WR - Virginia Tech (Cowboys)
153. Dennis Kelly - OT - Purdue (Eagles)
156. Shaun Prater - CB - Iowa (Bengals)
157. Bradie Ewing - FB - Wisconsin (Falcons)
158. Jack Crawford - DE - Penn State (Raiders)
165. Darius Fleming - LB - Notre Dame (49ers)

6th round
180. Trent Robinson - FS - Michigan State (49ers)
183. B.J. Cunningham - WR - Michigan State (Dolphins)
185. Ryan Lindley - QB - San Diego State (Cardinals)
191. Dan Herron - RB - Ohio State (Bengals)
192. Charles Mitchell - SS - Mississippi State (Falcons)
194. Marvin McNutt - WR - Iowa (Eagles)
195. Nick Mondek - OT - Purdue (Texans)
197. Nate Ebner - S - Ohio State (Patriots)
207. Brad Nortman - P - Wisconsin (Panthers)

7th round217. Adam Bernstine - S - Iowa (Redskins)
218. Jerome Long - DT - San Diego State (Chiefs)
224. Alfonzo Dennard - S - Nebraska (Patriots)
226. David Molk - C - Michigan (Chargers)
230. Nathan Stupar - LB - Penn State (Raiders)
231. Toney Clemons - WR - Colorado (Steelers)*
233. Drake Dunsmore - TE - Northwestern (Buccaneers)
234. Marcel Jones - OT - Nebraska (Saints)
235. Jeremy Ebert - WR - Northwestern (Patriots)
238. Junior Hemingway - WR - Michigan (Chiefs)
250. Edwin Baker - RB - Michigan State (Chargers)
170. Vick Ballard - RB - Mississippi State (Colts)

*Clemons transferred from Michigan to Colorado prior to the 2009 season

David Molk, San Diego Charger

Congratulations to center David Molk, who was drafted in the seventh round (#226 overall) by the San Diego Chargers today.  Molk joins fellow Wolverines Stephen Schilling and Jonas Mouton, who were selected by the Chargers in last year's NFL Draft.

Chargers.com with Molk's reaction.

2012 NFL Draft Preview: Michigan-style

Mike Martin will probably be the first Wolverine drafted, but not until Friday night

Last year saw only linebacker Jonas Mouton and offensive tackle Steve Schilling get drafted, both by the San Diego Chargers.  It's no sure thing that Michigan will beat that number this year, especially now that tight end Kevin Koger suffered an Achilles injury.  Here's a look at the Wolverines who are eligible for the draft:

Mike Martin, DT
Martin is the likely top choice out of Michigan.  He's 6'1 3/8", 306 lbs. and ran a 4.86 forty yard dash at the NFL Combine.  He also put up 36 repetitions on the 225 lb. bench press.  Martin is too undersized to play nose tackle in the NFL, but I think he can play as a defensive end in a 3-4 look or as a 3-tech defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense.  Martin is pretty quick and uses leverage very well, and best of all, he's a hard worker with a good motor.  I don't know if Martin will be a Pro Bowler, but he could have a ten-year career.
Projection: 3rd round to Chargers

David Molk, C
Molk is 6'0 7/8", 298 lbs. and ran a 5.2 forty.  The general knock on Molk is that he's not very big, which is true.  He is very quick, though, and excelled in the zone blocking system run by Rich Rodriguez from 2008-2010.  Molk looks like an NFL backup, but one of the problems with him will be that he doesn't offer any position flexibility - he's a center and that's it.  Lots of teams like their backup centers to be able to be plugged in at guard, too.  I doubt anyone's going to hand Molk a starting center job, but he could be brought in as the heir apparent to a veteran center or to work in for a zone running team.
Projection: 5th round to Texans

Junior Hemingway, WR
Hemingway is 6'0 7/8", 225 lbs., and ran a 4.51 forty yard dash at the NFL Combine, which is much faster than I expected him to run.  Hemingway doesn't play that fast, and his real strength seems to be the timing on his jump balls and his ability to outmuscle opposing receivers.  For a receiver with just average height, 225 lbs. is a lot.  Hemingway struggled with staying healthy early in his career, and his inability to get separation consistently limit him to being a possession receiver at the next level.
Projection: 6th round to Bears

Ryan Van Bergen, DE
Van Bergen is a 6'4 1/2", 290 lb. defensive end with a 4.99 forty.  He's a high character guy who has a little bit of surprising athleticism.  He lacks the pass rush abilities to make a star-level impact at the next level, but he could be an Aaron Smith-like defensive end for a 3-4 team or a left/strongside end for a 4-3 team.  I think he might be able to play for five or six years, but his ceiling is probably a journeyman type of career.
Projection: Undrafted

Kevin Koger, TE
Koger measured in at 6'3 3/4" and 253 lbs. with a 4.8 forty.  He was borderline draftable before hurting his Achilles, so I sincerely doubt whether he'll get picked.  Koger has decent size and speed, but he's not a particularly good runner after the catch and his hands are a bit shaky.  He might be able to be a second or third tight end for someone, but I don't think he'll ever be a starter.
Projection: Undrafted

Other undrafted players: WR Kelvin Grady, OT Mark Huyge, WR Martavious Odoms, RB Michael Shaw, CB Troy Woolfolk

Detroit News: Mike Martin one of Todd McShay's favorite players

Denise Milani

Todd McShay talks to the Detroit News about Michigan's top NFL prospects for the upcoming draft, including Mike Martin and David Molk.

Michigan Combine participation and Draft position since 1999

Marquise Walker

With the NFL Combine behind us and the Draft not too far away, now seems like a good time to take a look at the recent history of Wolverines in the NFL. Here's a list of players who have participated in the combine since 1999, with draft position included in parentheses. It's worth remembering that the vast majority of players who are invited to the Combine end up with NFL teams, even if they are not selected in the Draft.

2012 (3): DT Mike Martin (TBD), WR Junior Hemingway (TBD), David Molk (TBD)

2011 (2): LB Jonas Mouton (2nd), Stephen Schilling (6th)

2010 (5): OLB Brandon Graham (1st), P Zoltan Mesko (5th), S Stevie Brown (7th)*, CB Donovan Warren (undrafted), RB Brandon Minor (undrafted)

2009 (4): DT Terrance Taylor (4th), CB Morgan Trent (6th), LS Sean Griffin (undrafted), DE Tim Jamison (undrafted)

2008 (7): OT Jake Long (1st), QB Chad Henne (2nd), LB Shawn Crable (3rd), WR Mario Manningham (3rd), RB Mike Hart (6th), WR Adrian Arrington (7th), SS Jamar Adams (undrafted)

2007 (6): CB Leon Hall (1st), DT Alan Branch (2nd), LB LaMarr Woodley (2nd), LB David Harris (2nd ), WR Steve Breaston (5th), LB Prescott Burgess (6th)

2006 (5): DT Gabe Watson (4th), WR Jason Avant (4th), TE Tim Massaquai (7th), OL Adam Stenavich (undrafted), LB Pierre Woods (undrafted)

2005 (7): WR Braylon Edwards (1st), CB Marlin Jackson (1st), OG David Bass (2nd), CB Markus Curry (undrafted), FB Kevin Dudley (undrafted), P Adam Finley (undrafted), S Earnest Shazor (undrafted)

2004 (5): RB Chris Perry (1st), CB Jeremy LeSueur (3rd), QB John Navarre (7th), OT Tony Pape (7th), OL David Pearson (undrafted)

2003 (7): LB Victor Hobson (2nd), TE Bennie Joppru (2nd), FB B.J. Askew (3rd), QB Drew Henson (6th), SS Cato June (6th), FS Charles Drake (7th), WR Ronald Bellamy (undrafted)

2002 (4): WR Marquise Walker (3rd), LB Larry Foote (4th), OG Jonathan Goodwin (5th), K Hayden Epstein (7th)

2001 (6): OT Jeff Backus (1st), OL Steve Hutchinson (1st), WR David Terrell (1st), RB Anthony Thomas (2nd), OT Maurice Williams (2nd), CB James Whitley (undrafted)

2000 (7): LB Ian Gold (2nd), FB Aaron Shea (4th), DT Josh Williams (4th), LB Dhani Jones (6th), QB Tom Brady (6th), DE James Hall (undrafted), WR Marcus Knight (undrafted)

1999 (8): OT Jon Jansen (2nd), TE Jerame Tuman (5th), WR Tai Streets (6th), CB Andre Weathers (7th), RB Clarence Williams (undrafted), QB Scott Dreisbach (undrafted), SS Marcus Ray (undrafted), LB Sam Sword (undrafted)

*Not invited to the Combine

Average number of Michigan players participating in the Combine: 5.4

Average number of Michigan players selected in the Draft: 4.1

Average Draft position: 3.8th round

Detroit News: Mel Kiper expects Michigan stars to be mid-, late-round selections

Mel Kiper thinks more of Mike Martin than does NFL.com, but he thinks a lot less of Junior Hemingway. Soon after I posted NFL.com's projections for Martin, Hemingway and Molk, the Detroit News caught draft expert Mel Kiper's thoughts on the trio, and his evaluations are quite different.

Martin: "I think he's one of those guys you get in to that third-round mix. He's going to be in a rotation a good guy to have on your defensive line."

Molk: "There's a lot of football intelligence there. A smart kid. To me, he's a guy with the pads on, you think of Jeff Saturday. . .I think in the fifth round area he's a heck of a choice."

Hemingway: "If Hemingway is drafted, he will be a late-round selection."

I don't know about you, but I can hear Kiper's voice as I'm reading those quotes. For more of his thoughts, click through.

Rank Ordering the Big Ten NFL Draft Prospects

Following the combine, NFL.com assigned each participant a number grade (20-100), which corresponds to projections like so:

20 - 49: Free Agent (UDFA)

50 - 69: Draftable Player (4th-7th)

70 - 84: Eventual Starter (2nd-3rd)

85 - 95: Immediate Starter (1st)

96 - 100: Future Hall of Famer (top pick)

Here's how the top two-thirds of Big Ten players who attended the combine stack up to one another. Coincidentally, Martin, Hemingway and Molk are listed consecutively at numbers 21, 22 and 23, respectively.

1. 89.7 - DT Jared Crick, Nebraska

2. 89.o - DT Devon Still, Penn State

3. 87.7 - LB Lavonte David, Nebraska

4. 86.0 -OT Riley Reiff, Iowa

5. 85.7 - CB Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

6. 85.0 - OL Peter Konz, Iowa

7. 83.0 - WR Nick Toon, Wisconsin

8. 82.7 - OL Marcel Jones, Nebraska

9. 79.5 - OL Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin

10. 79.5 - DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

11. 76.5 - WR Devier Posey, Ohio State

12. 73.5 - WR B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State

13. 72.5 - DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

14. 69.7 - WR Keshawn Martin, Michigan State

15. 69.7 - RB Dan Herron, Ohio State

16. 68.5 - QB Russell Wilson, Wisconsin

17. 68.2 - FS Trent Robinson, Michigan State

18. 68.2 - DT Mike Daniels, Iowa

19. 64.5 - WR A.J. Jenkins, Illinois

20. 64.0 - DB Antonio Fenelus, Wisconsin

21. 59.7 - DT Mike Martin, Michigan

22. 59.5 - WR Junior Hemingway, Michigan

23. 59.2 - OL David Molk, Michigan

24. 58.0 - OL Michael Brewster, Ohio State

25. 57.5 - OL Jeff Allen, Illinois

26. 57.0 - CB D' Anton Lynn, Penn State

27. 56.0 - QB Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

28. 54.5 - OL Johnnie Toutman, Penn State

29. 54.0 - OL Mike Adams, Ohio State

30. 53.7 - DL Jack Crawford, Penn State

Wolverines (almost) in the NFL: 2012 Combine Results

Junior Hemingway after the Sugar Bowl

Before the NFL combine began, we took a look at the Michigan invitees, summarizing their strengths, weaknesses and draft projections. With the Combine now in the books, most of what we thought we knew was borne out in the numbers but with a few notable exceptions.

Mike Martin (6'1'' 306 lbs.) came up 14 repetitions shy of his goal on the bench press; however, he still demonstrated incredible strength in the event by putting up 225 pounds 36 times, placing him in a tie for sixth overall and second among defensive tackles. Martin also showcased his ability to cover ground by running a 4.88 40-yard dash and registering a 4.25 second 20-yard shuttle.

David Molk's (6'1'' 298 lbs.) 41 repetitions on the bench press was good for second place in the event, only trailing Dontari Poe's 44. Molk's arm length measured in at an even 32", which isn't all that great, but since Molk plays as a center and not as an offensive tackle, his limited reach likely won't have much of an adverse impact on his draft status. Agility drills were not on Molk's combine itinerary due to his injured foot.

Junior Hemingway (6'1'' 225 lbs.) reminded everyone why the combine even exists, as he shattered expectations in several events. Hemingway ran a 4.53 second 40-yard dash and was a "top performer" in the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, and the 60-yard shuttle, all events in which he finished either first or second among the 40 wide receivers. Hemingway also put his strength on display by posting 21 repetitions on the bench press and leaping 124 inches in the broad jump. Basically, Junior Hemingway had an awesome combine. "There aren't many receivers who did more for themselves than that guy," an AFC scout said. "He wasn't even on our radar heading into the event. He is now."

So I guess you can forget all the stuff Todd McShay and I said about Hemingway not being very fast or explosive. Still, even with Hemingway seemingly transforming into Michael Vick and Molk and Martin showcasing their superhuman strength, all three Wolverines currently project to the later rounds of the draft, according to NFL.com.

Wolverine Nation: Molk reflects on U-M career

Wolverine Nation  has a pretty candid interview with David Molk.  You don't see many players drop the F-bomb in interviews, and this is not the first time I've seen Molk do so.  For some reason I see him coming back to Michigan in 10-15 years and looking like Steve Everitt.

Wolverines in the NFL: Pre-Combine Reports

Mike Martin is large.

The NFL Combine begins tomorrow and continues through the 28th. Michigan is represented by Molk, Martin, and Hemingway as they attempt to impress scouts and coaches for the upcoming NFL Draft, which will take place April 26-28. But before we start hearing about Wonderlic scores, forty times, interview impressions, and bench press reps, here's a look at where Michigan's participants currently project:

Junior Hemingway: Expected to be a late round pick or an undrafted free agent, Hemingway is the 36th rated wide receiver according to ESPN, the 39th to Todd McShay and the 46th to CBS. Hemingway, of course, isn't very explosive, fast or agile, but his big body and jump ball skills have caught the eye of NFL scouts. Hopefully Junior is able to stick around the NFL for a few years and earn some money since his family home was recently burglarized and many of his personal items were stolen while he was in Atlanta training for the combine (watch news coverage here).

David Molk: Molk and Martin share the same goal: break the combine's bench press record. While Molk remains ambitious in the weight room, he won't be running or participating in agility drills at the combine due to his foot injury. "It kind of kills me, because that was what I was always really good at," Molk said. "I could kill all of those drills." Agility drills or not, Molk's athleticism/mobility is not lost on NFL scouts, who have him pegged as a good fit with a zone blocking team. Still, at 6'2'' 286 lbs., Molk's ability to compete against the behemoth defensive tackles of the NFL remains a point of concern for scouts, and most projections have Molk as a later round draft selection. Molk is currently the fifth ranked center to ESPN and the sixth to CBS. He also will likely face questions about his health during interviews after suffering four injuries to his right leg since 2009. Watch Molk rehab that leg and train with Mike Barwis in this video.

Mike Martin: After drawing rave reviews while in Mobile, Alabama practicing for the Senior Bowl, Martin is considered an early round selection by some and a mid-round selection by others. Scouts cite strength, intelligence, toughness, technique and quickness among his strengths while noting size and reach as weaknesses. Thanks to his video editing abilities, Martin gives us a three minute peek into his daily grind via his Twitter:

Kevin Koger - who was outspoken about his combine snub - and Steve Watson are scheduled to participate in the "regional NFL combine" on March 3. Meanwhile, RVB will focus on rehabbing his injured foot while preparing for Michigan's Pro Day on March 15.

ESPN: Big Ten sending 45 to NFL combine

Over at ESPN's Big Ten Blog, Adam Rittenberg compiled a list of Big Ten players who were invited to the 2012 NFL combine. Participants were chosen by a selection committee whose goal was to invite "every player that will be drafted in the ensuing NFL Draft." Unfortunately, Michigan doesn't compare too favorably when the 45 names are broken down by team since David Molk, Mike Martin, and Junior Hemingway are U of M's only invitees.

Wisconsin: 8

Penn State: 7

Iowa: 7

Michigan State: 6

Ohio State: 4

Nebraska: 4

Michigan: 3

Northwestern: 1

Purdue: 1

The combine will take place in Indianapolis from February 22-28.

AnnArbor.com: Michigan seniors prepare with Mike Barwis

Kayden Kenzie

Mike Martin, David Molk, Ryan Van Bergen, Kevin Koger, Mark Huyge, and Steve Watson are training with former Michigan strength and conditioning coach Mike Barwis to prepare for the NFL Draft (article plus video).

ESPN: Michigan's Man in the Middle

Girls are awesome.

Here's ESPN's feature on Rimington Award-winning center David Molk.  I can't embed it, so you'll have to visit.  It's well worth the click through, though.

Sugar Bowl: Michigan 23, Virginia Tech 20

Troy Woolfolk's helmet is thrust in the air under a downpour of confetti
(image via BTN)

Wow, that was an exciting game.  And not in a good way . . . except for the fact that Michigan won.  That was Michigan's ugliest win of the season and it took some lucky calls to go the Wolverines' way.

The offense disappeared. Yikes. Denard Robinson had 13 carries for 13 yards.  Fitzgerald Toussaint had 13 carries for 30 yards.  Altogether, Michigan ran the ball 30 times for 56 yards, or 1.9 yards per attempt.  Robinson completed 9/21 passes for 117 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 pick.  It was a bad night.  As I was laying out the Virginia Tech position previews over the past couple weeks, people kept commenting on how I was overrating the Hokies.  They are pretty good.  Maybe Michigan fans will understand that now.

Michigan got lucky.  The guys in the winged helmets played hard-nosed football at times last night, but ultimately, they got very  lucky on numerous occasions.  Two Jayron Hosley interceptions were negated, one because the ball hit the ground and one because he yanked on Jeremy Gallon's jersey and got called for pass interference; he almost had another pick when he jumped a Junior Hemingway hitch route.  Free safety Eddie Whitley let two interceptions go right through his hands, including Hemingway's 45-yard touchdown catch.  On top of Robinson's one interception, he almost threw four  more . . . and on only 21 attempts.  Aside from the near-interceptions, Hokies wide receiver Danny Coales caught what might have been the game-winning touchdown pass, only to have it overturned because the nose of the ball hit the ground; it was probably the right call, but it could have very easily remained a touchdown after the replay booth took a look at it.

We're going to miss Junior Hemingway.  That guy doesn't get the ball very often, but he makes huge plays. He only had 2 catches on the night, but they went for 63 total yards . . . and 2 touchdowns.  Nobody else even sniffed the endzone.  Roy Roundtree makes some big catches once in awhile, but he hasn't been nearly the receiver that he was in 2010.  Michigan needs a youngster to step up next year, whether it will be a redshirt sophomore Jerald Robinson or a freshman Jehu Chesson.  Hemingway was the obvious pick for Sugar Bowl MVP, at least on Michigan's side.

We missed are going to miss David Molk.  I started off the game being extremely frustrated.  Starting center David Molk, who happened to win the Rimington Trophy this season for being the nation's best player at his position, sat out the beginning of the game after injuring his lower leg during pregame.  Backup Rocko Khoury combined with Robinson to have two bad snaps on Michigan's first three plays.  Both snaps were catchable but slightly off target, and the second one was a bullet to boot.  I can't put all the blame on either player, but when you have one starter for the entire season and even up to pregame of the bowl game, it's somewhat understandable that there will be some snap issues when the backup has to start the bowl game.  Molk returned after the first offensive series and the snap issues disappeared, although he looked gimpy for the entire game.  Michigan's lack of a running game may have been partly due to Molk's injury, but I'll have to watch the game again to see what the real issues were.

That's what true athletes look like in the secondary.  Michigan lined up in Cover 0 and got torched.  Virginia lined up in Cover 0 and got sacks.  The Wolverines' cornerbacks and safeties just aren't fast enough and athletic enough to lock up with decent receivers on a regular basis.  It's frustrating to watch, but J.T. Floyd, Blake Countess, Troy Woolfolk, Jordan Kovacs, Courtney Avery, and Thomas Gordon aren't the same caliber of athletes that the Hokies put out there.  Countess is going to be good, I believe, but he's hit a rough patch here at the end of the season.  Watching Hosley, Whitley, Antoine Exum, and Kyle Fuller fly around the field was a bit of a wake-up call and shows how far Michigan has to go.  Hosley alone had 4 pass breakups.

Everyone's expectations for Frank Clark just doubled.  The freshman defensive end made a highlight-reel interception when he leaped to knock down a Logan Thomas pass and came down with the pick.  I mentioned in the preview that I thought he would play quite a bit with defensive tackle Will Heininger out, and that came to fruition.  He seemed like a man without a position when he came out of high school, but it looks like he'll be a good one for the next few years.

Tackling was an issue.  Michigan's tackling has been so good this year that I'm going to assume this game was a bit of a fluke, but Michigan missed numerous tackles.  And some of the guys who were whiffing are normally very good tacklers, like Jordan Kovacs and Kenny Demens.  It's understandable to whiff on David Wilson or get run over by the 6'5", 254 lb. Logan Thomas, but Michigan was missing tackles on Danny Coales, Josh Oglesby, etc.  It was a bad time to have a poor night of tackling, but luckily it didn't hurt the Wolverines in the win column.

Red zone defense was huge.  For whatever reason, Michigan really buckles down in the red zone.  As the announcers mentioned last night, Michigan was #2 in the Big Ten and #4 in the country at stopping opponents in the red zone.  Virginia Tech had long drive after long drive and ended the game with 377 yards (Michigan had 184), 22 first downs (Michigan had 12), and 76 offensive snaps (Michigan had 52) . . . but it doesn't matter so much when you have to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.

Brendan Gibbons to the rescue.  I don't think anyone - including me - expected Gibbons to be so reliable this year.  But in the Sugar Bowl he went 3/3 on field goals (from 24, 37, and 39 yards out), including the game-winning 37-yarder, and 2/2 on extra points.  And for the entire year, he went 13/17 on field goal attempts and 54/55 on extra points.  Bravo to him.

Top Five Wolverines of 2011

Brady Hoke

1. Brady Hoke.  The first year head coach has brought back a winning attitude and solid defensive play, things that were sorely missing for a few years.

2. Greg Mattison.  The new defensive coordinator, brought back to Michigan after stints with the Florida Gators and Baltimore Ravens, took last season's defensive players, added a few freshmen, and concocted the #17 defense in the country.

3. Denard Robinson.  The quarterback looked shaky at the beginning of the season while adjusting to offensive coordinator Al Borges's offense, but Robinson turned it on toward the end of the year.  He's one of the most electrifying players in the entire country.

4. Mike Martin.  The nose tackle had an excellent year for Michigan, especially in the second half of the season.  More so than creating havoc inside, it was exciting to see the 6'2", 304-pounder chase down plays from sideline to sideline.  Michigan hasn't had a nose tackle this athletic in my memory.

5. David Molk.  The four-year starter at center won the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation's top snapper.  It's a well deserved award for a quick and intelligent lineman with an old-school attitude.

Thanks to all the Wolverines for working hard and giving us fans an exciting 2011 season.  Hopefully even better things are to come in 2012, including a Sugar Bowl victory against Virginia Tech on Tuesday.  Go Blue!

Offensive Line Preview: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

Blake DeChristopher (left) is a four-year starter for Virginia Tech
and head coach Frank Beamer
(image via Washington Post)

MICHIGAN
Starters: Redshirt sophomore left tackle Taylor Lewan (6'8", 302) has started every game this season and was voted Second Team All-Big Ten by conference coaches.  Redshirt junior left guard Ricky Barnum (6'3", 292 lbs.) has started three games this season and remained #1 on the depth chart all season despite missing all or part of the other nine contests.  Fifth year senior center David Molk (6'2", 286 lbs.) received every conceivable award for a center, including First Team All-America status and the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation's top center.  Redshirt junior right guard Patrick Omameh (6'4", 299 lbs.) has started every game this season.  Fifth year senior right tackle Mark Huyge (6'6", 302 lbs.) has started every game this year.
Backups: The only backup to see significant playing time this season was redshirt sophomore tackle/guard Michael Schofield (6'7", 299 lbs.), who actually started more games (9) than Barnum at left guard.  Schofield is a tackle by trade, but with Barnum consistently hurt, the coaches plugged him in and he's essentially a sixth starter.  The next two backups appear to be redshirt junior tackle Elliott Mealer (6'5", 310 lbs.) and redshirt junior center Rocko Khoury (6'4", 287 lbs.), who have played in seven and four games, respectively.

VIRGINIA TECH
Starters: Fifth year senior left tackle Andrew Lanier (6'5", 306 lbs.) is a two-year starter at left tackle.  Redshirt junior left guard Greg Nosal (6'6", 297 lbs.) has started every game for the past two seasons and was Honorable Mention All-ACC in 2011.  Redshirt sophomore center Andrew Miller (6'4", 290 lbs.) has started every game this season.  Fifth year senior right guard Jaymes Brooks (6'2", 307) is a three-year starter and two-time Second Team All-ACC selection.  Fifth year senior right tackle Blake DeChristopher (6'5", 311 lbs.) is a four-year starter with 50 career starts, was a First Team All-ACC selection and earned the ACC's top award for offensive linemen.
Backups: True freshman Caleb Farris (6'3", 309 lbs.) has played in four games as a backup offensive center.  Redshirt junior Michael Via (6'7", 292 lbs.) has played in eleven games as a backup guard and center this year, and also has past experience at tackle.  Redshirt junior Nick Becton (6'6", 326 lbs.) has played in every game at offensive tackle.  Via and Becton appear to be in line for starting jobs next season.

THE TAKEAWAY
Michigan's starters average a shade under 6'4" and about 294 lbs.  Virginia Tech's starters are a shade under 6'4" and about 302 lbs.  In addition to size, the Hokies also have a slight advantage in experience, with an average experience level of 4.4 years; Michigan's starters average 4.2 with Barnum counted as the starter and 4.0 if Schofield earns the nod.  It's a slight advantage, but an advantage nonetheless.  Virginia Tech's linemen have 158 starts total, or 31.6 on average.  Michigan's linemen have 123 starts among them, or 24.6 on average.  That means the average Hokie lineman has started for half a season longer than Michigan's, and if you look at the following list, the only position Michigan has an experience advantage over VT is at center, where Molk's 41 starts and Rimington Trophy hold an obvious edge over redshirt sophomore Miller:

Lewan: 21 starts
Barnum: 3 starts
Molk: 41 starts
Omameh: 28 starts
Huyge: 28 starts

Lanier: 27 starts
Nosal: 28 starts
Miller: 13 starts
Brooks: 40 starts
DeChristopher: 50 starts

Michigan might have more talent due to playing in the Big Ten, but experience is a key component in offensive line development, so . . .

Advantage: Virginia Tech

David Molk, Rimington Award Winner

David Molk (left) is pretty dang good

Congratulatioins to Michigan center David Molk, who last night won the Rimington Award for being the nation's best center!  Molk is the second Michigan center to win the trophy, following David Baas (now with the New York Giants) who won it in 2004.

Other award winners so far this year:

Maxwell Award (Outstanding Player): Andrew Luck - QB - Stanford
Walter Camp Award (Player of the Year): Andrew Luck - QB - Stanford
Home Depot Award (Coach of the Year): Les Miles - LSU
Doak Walker Award (Outstanding Running Back): Trent Richardson - RB - Alabama
Davey O'Brien Award (National Quarterback Award): Robert Griffin III - QB - Baylor
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (Senior Quarterback Award): Andrew Luck - QB - Stanford
Fred Biletnikoff Award (Outstanding Wide Receiver): Justin Blackmon - WR - Oklahoma State
John Mackey Award (Outstanding Tight End): Dwayne Allen - TE - Clemson
Outland Trophy (Outstanding Interior Lineman): Barrett Jones - OT - Alabama
Vince Lombard Award (Outstanding Lineman): Luke Kuechly - LB - Boston College
Rimington Trophy (Outstanding Center): David Molk - C - Michigan
Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year): Tyrann Mathieu - CB - LSU
Dick Butkus Award (Outstanding Linebacker): Luke Kuechly - LB - Boston College
Jim Thorpe Award (Outstanding Defensive Back): Morris Claiborne - CB - LSU
Lou Groza Award (Outstanding Placekicker): Randy Bullock - K - Texas A&M
Ray Guy Award (Outstanding Punter): Ryan Allen - P - Louisiana Tech
Ted Hendricks Award (Outstanding Defensive End): Whitney Mercilus - DE - Illinois
Campbell Trophy (Top Scholar Athlete): Andrew Rodriguez - LB - Army
Frank Broyles Award (Top Assistant Coach): John Chavis - Def. Coordinator - LSU