The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1535358
18 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JUNE/JULY 2025 BY CLAYTON SAYFIE M ichigan had the chance to break its program record for the most first-round picks in a single NFL Draft. The Wolverines were on track to do so after three players came off the board in the first 13 se- lections, too — defensive tackle Ma- son Graham at No. 5 to the Cleveland Browns, tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 to the Chicago Bears and defen- sive tackle Kenneth Grant at No. 13 to the Miami Dolphins. Cornerback Will Johnson had long been projected as a first-round choice, but he slid to the second round. U-M tied its program record with three opening-round selections, joining the classes in 1995 (running back Tyrone Wheatley, cornerback Ty Law and of- fensive tackle Trezelle Jenkins) and 2001 (wide receiver David Terrell, offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson and offen- sive lineman Jeff Backus). The Wolverines having three play- ers taken in the top 15 was a first for the program, highlighted by Graham, the third-highest-drafted Michigan defender since the AFL-NFL merger in 1966, behind defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (No. 2 in 2022) and corner- back Charles Woodson (No. 4 in 1998). The Cleveland Browns originally held the No. 2 slot but moved back to No. 5 in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who chose Colorado wide receiver/cor- nerback Travis Hunter. This year marked the seventh straight draft with at least one first-round pick from Michigan, setting a school record and surpassing the six-event streak from 1991-96. The Wolverines have had multiple first-rounders in 11 drafts — 2025 (3), 2022 (2), 2019 (2), 2017 (2), 2005 (2), 2001 (3), 1995 (3), 1978 (2), 1972 (2), 1945 (2) and 1941 (2). Johnson wound up being the fourth Wolverine off the board — in the second round, No. 47 to the Arizona Cardinals. His slide was due to medical concerns, according to multiple reports. "Michigan CB Will Johnson Jr. has a knee issue that has concerned some TOP-END TALENT Michigan Ties First-Round Program Draft Record Defensive tackle Mason Graham, shown with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, went to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 5 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. PHOTO COURTESY NFL