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NFL Draft 2017: Top Prospects from Michigan

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Heading into the college football season, the Michigan Wolverines feature several draft eligible prospects that NFL teams will be keeping an eye on.

NCAA Football: Citrus Bowl-Michigan vs Florida
NCAA Football: Citrus Bowl-Michigan vs Florida /

Recently, NFL.com writer Lance Zierlein broke down the Top 10 draft eligible prospects at each position. These lists contain a who’s who in the college football world, including seven players from the Michigan Wolverines. While these lists include the elite players in the college football world, there are plenty of talented players not on the lists who will still hear their name called at the NFL draft.

Running back: DeVeon Smith and Drake Johnson

DeVeon Smith is ranked near the top of the list of senior running backs (3rd according to CBSsports.com) but this upcoming class is so loaded with underclassmen that Smith is often overlooked. There is a role in the NFL for Smith’s bruising style of running and he’ll get a chance to prove his worth as Michigan’s starting running back this fall.

Draft breakdown’s Jeremy Hyde wrote a senior running back watch list and had this to say about Smith’s NFL outlook:

"An ankle injury suffered in Week 5 caused Smith to miss the following game against Maryland, after which he was hampered by a nagging toe injury through the second half of the 2015 season, causing him to look indecisive and slow changing directions at times. His 109 yards on 25 carries in U of M’s Citrus Bowl victory over Florida were a nice reminder of what he is capable of when healthy. Smith is a little stiff in the hips, but he is a physical, downhill runner who exhibits the power to extend runs after contact. Just an average receiver out of the backfield, he shows good awareness and is very effective in pass protection. Staying healthy will be paramount for the Wolverines’ starting halfback as he looks to impress NFL teams in his final college season."

Drake Johnson has the skill set to be a quality complementary running back in the NFL, but he’ll need to show he can stay healthy. As of today, Johnson is a player who likely gets a camp invite as opposed to hearing his name called on draft day.

Be sure to click over to the next page to view the wide receiver prospects.

Next: Wide Receivers

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