The 2026 NFL Draft saw six Michigan Wolverines make a lifelong dream come true and be selected. Now that the fun part is out of the way, it’s time for each player (plus some undrafted free agents) to get to work.
Getting drafted is one thing, but making a meaningful contribution in the NFL is another. Today, we’ll rank each Wolverine drafted by how likely they are to make an instant impact.
Advertisement
Honorable Mention: K Dominic Zvada, New York Giants
While Zvada wasn’t drafted, he has as good a shot as anyone to start right away. The Giants are having an open competition between Jason Sanders, Ben Sauls and Zvada. Sanders is a former All-Pro but is coming off a significant injury. While Sauls performed admirably last year, the door is certainly open for Zvada to take the reigns immediately.
6. DT Rayshaun Benny, Baltimore Ravens
Benny will have some familiarity with the defensive system since he will be coached by former Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. However, Benny is joining a loaded Baltimore defensive group. He was also a late round pick that will need to be more concerned with just making the roster rather than getting on the field as a rookie.
Advertisement
If you want to see a heartwarming moment between several former Wolverines, check out Benny’s reaction when talking on the phone with his new (and old) coaches:
5. FB Max Bredeson, Minnesota Vikings
Bredeson is a unique case. Minnesota is a fantastic landing spot for him, as he is the only fullback on the roster and has virtually no competition for his role. However, the fullback role just isn’t used that often at the NFL level anymore. He seems assured to get nearly every fullback snap the Vikings have to provide, but how many that is is a great unknown. He will also likely be used substantially on special teams and goal-line packages. Don’t expect to see Bredeson with his hands on the ball ever, but don’t be surprised if you see him sporadically as a rookie.
Advertisement
4. TE Marlin Klein, Houston Texans
The Texans shocked most draft prognosticators by taking Klein as early as they did. Injuries hampered Klein’s collegiate career but he still appears NFL ready, specifically as a blocker. Houston tends to use lots of multiple tight end sets, so he may see the field a decent amount as a rookie.
Klein is fighting to be TE2 at best. Dalton Schultz is the clear TE1 in Houston, but Klein will battle with Foster Moreau, Cade Stover and others for snaps. He will need to improve his receiving ability and find a way to stay healthy to get meaningful snaps but neither are out of the picture.
3. LB Jimmy Rolder, Detroit Lions
Like Klein, Rolder won’t be a starter barring injury but could certainly factor into the rotation. The Lions lost Alex Anzalone to free agency this offseason but still return Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez. Campbell is the unquestioned leader while Barnes and Rodriguez are solidly ahead of Rolder as of today. However, there isn’t much depth beyond Rolder, so he should be the first backup to see the field. Given how much Detroit likes to rotate their players on defense, don’t be surprised to see quite a few meaningful Rolder snaps early on.
Advertisement
Rolder also figures to play a significant role on special teams. The Lions have historically used linebackers heavily in all facets of special teams.
2. DE Jaishawn Barham, Dallas Cowboys
Barham is an interesting linebacker/edge hybrid who thrives when rushing the passer. Interestingly, Dallas just traded for former Wolverine Rashan Gary to do exactly that. Barham and Gary are not the same type of player, but they could play a similar role in the Cowboy defense.
The rest of the Dallas linebacker room is a bit of a jumbled mess, as no one has assigned roles just yet. It’s doubtful Barham is an immediate starter, but there’s nothing stopping him from becoming a starter in time.
Advertisement
1. DE Derrick Moore, Detroit Lions
Unsurprisingly, the highest drafted former Wolverine sits at No. 1 on our list. Moore plays a premium position that Lions fans have been begging for Brad Holmes to address. Holmes did so this year by drafting Moore in the second round. Fellow former Wolverine Aidan Hutchinson obviously has one edge spot locked down for the foreseeable future, but free agent signing DJ Wonnum is all that stands between Moore and a starting role.
Whether Moore starts or not is somewhat irrelevant, as Detroit rotates heavily along the defensive line. Moore is the third option at worst, so he will factor heavily into Detroit’s plans. The pressure will be on Moore to produce quickly as a pro.
Read the full article here