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NFL draft: Jim Harbaugh predicts whopper Michigan draft crop in 2017

Last spring, Buckeyes Nation took over Chicago on NFL draft weekend. Could we see the Maize and Blue dominate Philadelphia next spring?

As rivals Ohio State and Michigan veer toward a crash course on the football field in Columbus on Nov. 26, their programs also could be vying for draft bragging rights next spring. The Wolverines are loaded with talent in a draft class whose depth could rival the Buckeyes’ 12-man group from this past spring.

“I don’t know how many guys we’ll get drafted but it’ll be double digits,” Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said on the Inside Michigan Football radio show on Monday, via the Detroit Free Press. “That’s awesome.”

If that happens, could we then please see Harbaugh recreating the Rocky scene at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as the city is set to host the draft next spring? It might boost the Day 3 TV draft ratings just a bit.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said he thinks the Wolverines could have
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said he thinks the Wolverines could have “double digit” players drafted in 2017. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

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This year, the Buckeyes landed 12 in the draft. Michigan actually could match — or surpass — that number in 2017. The Wolverines are boosted by an incredible senior class, and we were blown away when we saw the preseason Senior Bowl Watch List that featured a whopping 15 prospects from the school. For perspective, no other school this year had more than nine players.

The majority of UM’s talent comes from that senior class. One notable exception: junior Jabrill Peppers, who will be a fascinating study whenever he makes himself available for the draft, but it would not be stunning if he comes out after this season. A linebacker in a safety’s body, Peppers might not fit every NFL defensive scheme perfectly and we know of one NFL team that currently is debating what position he fits best in their system. But Peppers’ unique combination of versatility and athleticism should make him a first-round pick if he does — and likely a high one at that.

We think Michigan could land five or six players in the top 50 picks. It might not be as top-heavy a group as the Buckeye featured this past draft, but Peppers, tight end Jake Butt, cornerback Jourdan Lewis and defensive linemen Chris Wormley and Taco Charlton are in great shape to fit into this range. Others who could work into being taken in the first few rounds include defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow, offensive linemen Mason Cole and Erik Magnuson and wide receivers Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh.

Throw in some solid, later-round prospects and the Wolverines are loaded. They could end up with eight to 10 of those players in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, and the UM pro day will be a must-see event, much like OSU’s pro day was for dozens of NFL scouts back in March.

“The feedback’s been really good, especially when it comes to the pro scouts, who have really been coming in [to visit],” Harbaugh said. “A bunch [have visited] … some general managers come in. Especially when the general managers themselves come in, they all comment on the same thing: how many good players we have and how many they’re looking at and asking questions about. The answers are all so positive and favorable.”

Butt has a chance to be a first-round pick as well, even in what appears to be a deep crop across the board at the position. He clearly has improved all around as a senior and has the frame 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds to be a good two-way tight end. Some Tyler Eifert comparisons have been tossed around in draft circles, even if we think Butt might not be quite as gifted a receiver or as forceful a blocker.

Lewis is another prospect whom we’ve warmed up to considerably of late. The Wisconsin game, for instance, showed his all-around ability as he made a highlight-reel one-handed interception (with his inside hand, no less) to seal the game.

But earlier in the fourth quarter, Lewis also made a great tackle on third down in the open field that displayed his all-around ability and helped short circuit the drive. The Badgers only had the ball twice more after that, and Lewis ended the second one with that tremendous pick. This was only his second game back from injury, but he appeared to be in midseason form as he stayed in the Wisconsin receivers’ back pockets all game and supported the run beautifully.

Charlton and Magnusson have been senior-season risers. In his first year as a full-time starter, Charlton has become a productive player who has made plays in the backfield with multiple two-sack games now (albeit one against a sad-sack Rutgers offense). Magnuson is a top-shelf run blocker who has room to grow as a pass blocker but has the frame and the smarts to do so. He’s a solid mid-round prospect right now.

Chesson and Darboh lack big-time production, but don’t overlook their talent. It might not always be on display in Michigan’s run-first offense (they average 16.6 more rush attempts than passes per game), but the fifth-year seniors both offer good size, skill and blocking ability.

Overall, this is a loaded Michigan class overall but one whose star power is not as strong as what Ohio State rolled out this spring.

Ohio State’s 12 players drafted in 2016 all came in the first four rounds, which actually was an NFL record. And yet, the total number actually was viewed as a bit disappointment to some folks in Columbus who expected another two or three more weren’t picked in Rounds 5-7, when no more Buckeyes were taken.

But the incredible lot was led by top-five picks Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott, both of whom have been tremendous as rookies, along with fellow first-rounders Eli Apple, Taylor Decker and Darron Lee. Only seven schools had more than five draft picks in 2016 — Baylor (six), Alabama (seven), Florida (seven), Notre Dame (seven), UCLA (eight), Clemson (nine) and OSU.

Since the NFL draft went to a seven-round format in 1994, only six schools have reached at least 10 draft picks in a single year, all six happening since 2002. The most picks from one school in one draft: Ohio State, with 14 back in 2004.

Could the Wolverines surpass 14? It would be very tough, and if they did so it likely would count on several UM players going on Day 3 of the draft. But they could match or beat OSU’s 12 from this year? Right now, it would not shock us.

(h/t NFL.com)

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!