The national champions will send multiple defensive backs to the NFL.
Thanks in large part to an excellent secondary, the Michigan Wolverines boasted the greatest defense in college football this season. A few Wolverines from the squad should anticipate being selected by a professional team after the NFL Draft.
The list is topped by two starting cornerbacks from the maize and blue, Josh Wallace and Mike Sainristil, both of whom could have their names called. Given that some have ranked Sainristil as one of the best players in this draft, one will almost certainly be called sooner than the other.
Sainristil was one of this squad’s unquestionable leaders and served as team captain in 2022 and 2023. After being a unanimous All-American, the graduate student switched sides of the ball and is probably going to be selected in the second round of the draft.
When I thought about Sainristil, the Carolina Panthers were among the first teams that sprung to mind. They both use a base 3–4 defense, hence the locker room needs leaders. Considering that Sainristil allowed the fourth-most yards in the NFL the previous season, he would be a good fit for a team in dire need of secondary support.
The Detroit Lions are another team that would be a great fit. Sainristil is a huge football fan and a fantastic fit for Aaron Glenn’s defense as the slot corner. Sainristil would significantly reduce the Lions’ passing yards allowed per game, which was among the lowest five.
Then there are the two obvious ones involving the Seahawks and Chargers. The Seahawks own two third-round selections, and if Sainristil is still available, I’m sure Mike Macdonald would love to spend one of them on him. Given the significant dearth of depth at the position entering the upcoming season, Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter will probably be keeping an eye on him as well.
Josh Wallace, who was selected considerably later in the draft, would also be a fantastic fit for the Chargers for a similar reason. He might also be considered by teams seeking additional depth at the corner position. Wallace has fewer film versus elite opponents, but during his one season on the club, he regularly showed himself to be a very talented cornerback for the Wolverines. He was truly exceptional at UMass; perhaps if he can continue translating some of those qualities, he can reach a higher level.
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Dallas might give a Michigan product another chance, much like they did with Mazi Smith and Luke Schoonmaker the previous campaign. Mike Zimmer employs a 3-4 defense, similar to what Michigan played last season. Wallace might be a pick later in the draft that the team needs because Stephon Gilmore is about to become a free agent and they will have to make some important decisions given the other players who will be available this offseason.
I also like the New York Giants, who will likely stick with the defense that (new Michigan defensive coordinator) Wink Martindale ran the previous season, and the New England Patriots, who will start a new administration.
Late in the draft, Quentin Johnson might also hear his name called at safety. After participating in 15 games this season and seeing a lot of action as the season went on, he was a late addition to the NFL Draft. The high point came during a pivotal drive in the Rose Bowl when Alabama had the advantage and was forcing a fumble.
The Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Commanders are two clubs that would be a great fit. Washington lacks depth at almost every level, including in the secondary. Dan Quinn will aspire to assemble a winning defensive club, and Johnson accomplished a great deal of that in Ann Arbor.
The Rams also require some depth at cornerback and safety in the secondary. Johnson was a versatile player, so it would make sense if Los Angeles could use him at any of those positions the next year.
