The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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20 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JUNE/JULY 2023 also was a two-time Bakken-Anderson Big Ten Kicker of the Year. He set single- season program records for made field goals (29), point after tries (60), points scored (147) and field goals made from 40 or more yards (10) — all in 2022. Moody also owns Michigan career re- cords for points (355), field goals (69) and field goals made from 40 yards or more (17), and he's tied for most field goals from 50 or more yards (4) and extra point per- centage (100). MIKE MORRIS, EDGE FIFTH ROUND, NO. 151 OVERALL SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Morris struggled at the NFL Com- bine and U-M's pro day, seeing his draft stock drop as a result. He was happy to be picked in the fifth round, though, and now has a chip on his shoulder entering the league. "I'm ready to unleash everything that I have in a Seahawks uniform," Morris said, also noting that he was injured at the end of the 2022 season and during parts of the pre-draft process. The Seahawks wanted the 2022 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year as a defensive tackle, and so did other teams. In the six weeks between the combine and the draft, Morris bulked up from 275 to 295 pounds. "I've done it before," said Morris, who was listed at 292 pounds last season. Morris is ready to compete and play whatever position is asked of him. "I think right now I'm going to be a D-lineman — probably 3-tech, 4i. Any- thing they want me to play, I'm looking forward to it," Morris noted. "I'm not really too concerned about where I'm going to play." Morris racked up 11.5 tackles for a loss, including 7.5 sacks, among his 23 total tackles in a breakout 2022 season. OLU OLUWATIMI, OL FIFTH ROUND, NO. 154 OVERALL SEATTLE SEAHAWKS The Seahawks followed up the Morris pick by taking Oluwatimi just three spots later. The Rimington Trophy (top center) and Outland Trophy (best interior line- man) winner last season, Oluwatimi, who transferred to U-M in 2022 from Virginia, was tabbed as the NFL Draft's "biggest steal" by ESPN's Chris Low. He's the first Outland Trophy winner to be picked after the second round since 2016. "He's a grown man, incredibly smart, knows the game, natural-born leader, [had an] awesome week at the Senior Bowl," Seahawks general manager John Schneider said. "You can't move him. He's just super stout, a really good person, and a top-level competitor." BRAD ROBBINS, P SIXTH ROUND, NO. 217 OVERALL CINCINNATI BENGALS Robbins was the second of three punt- ers to be drafted in 2023, and he was so surprised that he joked with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor that he thought his phone call was a prank. The Wolverines — who have finished top 15 in Football Outsiders' special teams efficiency ratings four of the last five years — made history with Robbins being se- lected. Since Moody was taken in the third round, U-M became only the second pro- gram with both a kicker and punter taken in the same draft over the last 40 years. Robbins finished his U-M career with the No. 2 career punting average (42.0 yards per attempt) and No. 2 single-sea- son average (46.33) in program history. RYAN HAYES, OL SEVENTH ROUND, NO. 238 OVERALL MIAMI DOLPHINS The second of two draft-eligible Michi- gan offensive linemen went off the board in the seventh round. Hayes, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, started 29 games at left tackle for the Wolverines. He may have to kick inside to guard at the next level, but he says he's versatile and willing to adjust. "I don't know a ton about what [the Dolphins] want me to do yet, but I'll defi- nitely play anywhere," Hayes said after being drafted. "I can play tackle. Played both tackles a little bit in college — mostly left, but I'd be open to moving inside, wherever gets me on the field and helps the team win. So, I'm open." RONNIE BELL, WR SEVENTH ROUND, NO. 253 OVERALL SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Bell was overlooked as a recruit, ranked a three-star on the On3 Industry Rank- ing and a two-star by one service, but he could be a late-draft steal. The 49ers were fired up to add their second Wolverine of the draft. "He was just so consistent," head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Bell, who led U-M in receiving yards three of the last four seasons. "A special teams player and a good returner. He did really everything they asked. He was very good in his routes. There was not one thing that he struggled with." General manager John Lynch called Bell a "tough, physical and gritty player," and it's no surprise Bell said he's already "ready to work." Bell, a two-time captain for the Wolver- ines, led the team with 62 receptions and 889 yards last season, totaling four touch- downs with 1 rushing touchdown. He fin- ished his U-M career with 145 receptions for 2,269 yards and 9 touchdowns. ❏ GREEN, HONIGFORD SIGNED AS UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS Michigan had a pair of undrafted free agents sign in the aftermath of the event with cornerback Gemon Green heading to the New York Giants and tight end Joel Honigford getting an opportunity with the Arizona Cardinals. Green played in 13 contests with 10 starts a year ago, registering 20 tackles and 4 pass breakups. He was targeted 45 times in coverage, allowing 24 receptions for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns, ac- cording to PFF. Green earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention nod by both the coaches and media in 2022. He opted not to use his extra year of eligibility, instead deciding to pursue his professional career. Honigford started his Michigan career as an offensive lineman before switching to tight end full- time in 2021. He appeared in 45 games in his time in Ann Arbor with six starts at tight end. He only had one reception for 10 yards in his career, which came during the 2021 season. Much of his time was spent as an extra blocker in heavy formations. Neither player was invited to the NFL Combine but worked out for teams at U-M's pro day March 17. The next step is heading to their respective rookie minicamps in hopes of earning an opportunity to fight for a roster spot this summer. — Anthony Broome