Michigan Wolverines: Recapping the 2017 draft classes first season

Michigan Wolverines had a historic 2017 draft class where 11 players were drafted. Lets breakdown their rookies seasons and see what might be in store for them in the 2018 season.

The Michigan Wolverines set a team record of 11 draft picks in 2017-surpassing the previous record of 10 in both the 1972 and 1974 seasons. What is even more impressive nine of those 11 picks came in the first four rounds. Seven more were signed as undrafted free agents (UDFA) as well. This speaks to the ability of coach Jim Harbaugh to develop these young players and Brady Hoke‘s recruitment. All of the players drafted were recruited by Brady Hoke.

Jabrill Peppers, S/LB

Jabrill Peppers was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round. He suffered toe injury during the season but still started 13 games. Peppers put up 57 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and one interception. He also averaged 22.7 yards on kickoffs and 180 punt return yards. Peppers had a steep learning curve when the Browns put him at free safety. With a year under his belt and a permanent move to strong safety, we might see bigger plays from Peppers this year.

Taco Charlton, DE

Taco Charlton was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round. He played in all 16 games, but only totaled 3 sacks and 19 tackles. He got off to a slow start; took him up to Week 9 to record his first sack. He then went on to record two sacks and four quarterback hits in his final five games. Charlton finished his rookie year strong, giving some hope that he will make big strides his second year.

Chris Wormley, DL

Chris Wormley was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round. He recorded five tackles in only 175 snaps over seven games. Wormley made very little impact his first year with the Ravens. He is hoping to make a strong showing this season within the stout Ravens defense.

Jourdan Lewis, CB

Jourdan Lewis was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round. He played in 15 games starting seven of them. He tallied 54 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and one interception. With new defensive backs coach Kris Richards taking over, Lewis looks to build off his solid rookie campaign. Lewis will have to battle to stay on the field with recent personnel moves within the secondary.

Delano Hill, S

Hill was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round. He mostly spent his time on special teams, in lieu of recording five tackles. With the loss of Kam Chancellor sure and the possibility of an Earl Thomas trade, Hill could move up into the starting lineup this year.

Amara Darboh, WR

Amara Darboh was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round. He caught eight passes for 71 yards playing in all 16 games. Seahawks lost both Paul Richardson and Jimmy Graham this year. That gives Darboh an opportunity to move into a starting role this year.

Ben Gedeon, LB

Ben Gedeon was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round. He made 37 tackles playing in all 16 games; starting nine of them. Gedeon stayed consistent enough to hold down the starting linebacker gig and looks like it is his to lose this coming season.

Ryan Glasgow, DT

Ryan Glasgow was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round. He recorded 23 tackles, seven sacks, and recovered a fumble while appearing in 16 games; starting one of them. Glasgow finished has one of the Bengals better defensive tackles and probably in line for a bigger role this year.

Jehu Chesson, WR

Jehu Chesson was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round. He recorded two catches for 16 yards playing in 12 games. He also put up 65 yards off of three kickoff returns. Chesson has an up hill battle competing against a talented Chief receiving corps, but he will continue to have an impact on special teams.

Jake Butt, TE

Jake Butt was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round. Butt did not play at all last year after nursing an ACL tear he suffered during the Orange Bowl. Looks like he is healthy and ready to have an impact on the field.

Jeremy Clark, CB

Jeremy Clark was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round. Clark was also nursing an ACL tear last year essentially redshirting his rookie season. He will have a hill to climb to make the roster with a slew of young secondary players for the Jets.

Kenny Allen, P

Kenny Allen was signed as a UDFA by the Baltimore Ravens. He was waived during final roster cuts that year.

Matt Godin, DL

Matt Godin was signed as a UDFA by the Houston Texans. Godin tore his ACL that preseason and waived with a failed physical designation this year

Kyle Kalis, OL

Kyle Kalis was signed as a UDFA by the Washington Redskins. He played in four games made two starts for the Indianapolis Colts. He was waived and then signed again by the Redskins.

Erik Magnuson, OL

Erik Magnuson was signed as a UDFA by the San Francisco 49ers. He appeared in four games starting two of them. He will have to compete to make the roster this year but has a good shot because of his versatility.

De’Veon Smith, RB

De’Veon Smith signed as a UDFA with the Miami Dolphins. He primarily played special teams and gained only 27 yards off on three catches in five games of action. Smith was not tendered by the Dolphins and is a free agent.

Channing Stribling, CB

Channing Stribling was signed as a UDFA by the Cleveland Browns. He journeyed to the Browns, Colts, 49ers, and back to the Colts; where he ended up on the waiver wire.

Dymonte Thomas, S

Dymonte Thomas was signed as a UDFA by the Denver Broncos. Thomas found a spot on the Broncos roster after injuries. His best game came against the Chiefs where he recorded six tackles. He has seen his stock rise and continues to make noise to make the roster this season.

Next: Michigan Wolverines greatest running backs

There is plenty of potential for the 2017 Michigan Wolverine draft class to have a significant impact their second year. Peppers, Charlton, Gedeon, and Glasgow will be starting for their respective teams. Wormley, Lewis, Hill, Darboh, Butt, and Clark have strong potential to start for their teams and make a strong showing. There are also a couple of UDFAs who might surprise a few people like Thomas to solidify a role. Keep your eyes open for what might be in store in the future for this young guys.

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Michigan Wolverines: Recapping the first NFL season of the 2017 draft class

By Zack Moran | Jul 11, 2018