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The Michigan Wolverines football program continues producing elite-level players at an incredible rate, with another seven former Wolverines selected during the 2025 NFL Draft. This year, three Wolverines were chosen during the first round, tying the record for the most in school history. Each of the seven former Wolverines heading to the NFL has an opportunity to become a football legend. They will embark on their professional careers with the full support of Michigan alumni, past and present. Who are those seven potential superstars?

Mason Graham – Cleveland Browns (5th Overall)

The very nature of the NFL Draft means the teams with the earliest picks are unlikely to challenge for Super Bowl honors. This means Michigan fans probably won’t see Mason Graham on football’s grandest stage, but they should watch the defensive tackle take to the field for the Cleveland Browns throughout 2025 and beyond.

The best Michigan sports betting apps price the Browns as the least likely team to challenge for Super Bowl LX honors. However, do not be surprised if Graham becomes a hot favorite for the coveted Rookie of the Year or is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.

The Browns selected Graham as the fifth overall pick, making him the earliest Wolverine player picked since the Detroit Lions took Aidan Hutchinson as number two in 2022, and when the Miami Dolphins selected Jake Long first overall in 2008.

Through 39 games (27 starts) for the Wolverines, Graham enjoyed 108 tackles, 18 for loss, 9.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. The Browns traded down with the Jacksonville Jaguars to secure Graham’s services, rewarding him with a four-year, $40.8 million fully guaranteed rookie contract. After investing so heavily in Graham, he is all but guaranteed to be in the Browns’ starting lineup when the 2025 NFL regular season kicks off.

Colston Loveland – Chicago Bears (10th)

The Chicago Bears using their 10th overall pick on tight end Colston Loveland raised a few eyebrows because the Bears’ roster already has the likes of DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet. However, every team has room for a player of Loveland’s ability, and his potential is off the charts.

Loveland is the first Wolverine offensive player selected in the first round since Braylon Edwards was selected third by the Cleveland Browns in 2005, and it is easy to see why. Loveland has a unique blend of agility, speed, and strength that has seen pundits draw comparisons to the legendary Travis Kelce. That is high praise indeed.

The youngster gained 1,466 receiving yards and scored 11 touchdowns in 39 Wolverines games, impressive numbers that the Bears could not ignore. Loveland will almost certainly challenge for one of the TE1 spots on the Bears team, all while earning a cool $26,636,008 guaranteed over the next four years.

Kenneth Grant – Miami Dolphins (13th)

Many pundits bemoaned how soft the Miami Dolphins were throughout 2024, so it was unsurprising that the franchise’s management team beefed up its options. The Dolphins used their first-round pick to select man mountain nose tackle Kenneth Grant. Standing 6ft 4in and tipping the scales at 331 pounds, Grant is a gargantuan, imposing figure. However, there is much more to Grant’s game than simply being massive.

Grant played 41 games for the Wolverines over three seasons. During that time, he had 69 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and an interception. Word around the Dolphins’ campfire is that Grant will be one of the first names on the sheet for the team’s opening game.

Will Johnson – Arizona Cardinals (47th)

The Arizona Cardinals selected Will Johnson as the 47th overall pick, and it is easy to see why when you look at his Wolverines statistics. The 2023 national champion made 68 tackles, four for loss, and nine interceptions across 32 college games. Amazingly, Johnson scored three touchdowns from those nine interceptions, utilizing his incredible speed and intelligence to get down the field and into the end zone.

Johnson was widely expected to be selected much earlier in the draft, but concerns over a potential knee injury saw him slip. If he remains fit, the Cardinals could have an absolute steal on their hands.

Josaiah Stewart – Los Angeles Rams (90th)

Josaiah Stewart will turn out for the Los Angeles Rams in 2025 and beyond after they selected the linebacker as the 90th overall draft pick. Stewart may be undersized for the linebacker position, yet he could become the Rams’ designated pass rusher thanks to his aggressive playing style. The Rams seem to be building a relentless defensive line. Although Stewart may have to bide his time before becoming a regular starter in Los Angeles, he has time on his hands and an undeniable ability.

Stewart’s 71 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks in only 26 appearances are numbers that speak for themselves.

Kalel Mullings – Tennessee Titans (188th)

Ninety-seven players were selected after Stewart before the next former Wolverine player heard their name called out. The Tennessee Titans chose Kalel Mullings with their 188th pick in the sixth round.

Mullings started his college career as a linebacker before switching to running back. His performances in 2024 saw him share the Bo Schembechler MVP Award. In 2024, Mulling gained 948 rushing yards and scored 12 rushing touchdowns in 12 games, figures that would not look out of place in an NFL team. Missing out on much of the pre-draft process through injury is the primary reason nobody selected Mullings earlier than the sixth round.

Myles Hinton – Philadelphia Eagles (191st)

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Myles Hinton three picks after Mullings. Although Hinton has three years of college football under his belt, scouts believe he is still a work in progress. However, they also state Hunton has bags of potential, and working under Eagles Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo could see Hinton realize that potential.

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