There’s still (at least) one more game for the Michigan football team to play in this 2023 season, as the Wolverines square off with Alabama in the Rose Bowl in a few weeks. However, it’s never too early to take a look at how things could look for Michigan in 2024.
With the transfer portal, NFL Draft decisions, and graduations, there could be plenty of roster turnover following any given season. Today, we’ll take a look at the state of Michigan’s defense and predict which contributors in 2023 will be sticking around.
These guys are in an interesting position, as they’ve been around long enough they still qualify for a bonus year of eligibility thanks to the 2020 season.
There are two names here in particular that stand out here in Jaylen Harrell and Kris Jenkins. Jenkins would be a surefire draft pick if he were to declare, and it seems he’s a good bet to go to the next level after he nearly did a year ago. Harrell could also be a candidate to depart after leading the Wolverines in sacks with 6.5.
Makari Paige and Braiden McGregor got some extended playing time this year and did well with their opportunities, but they could benefit from another year in school.
Junior Colson seems like the most likely of this group to be out the door. He came into the season with some hype and would likely be a day-two draft pick. His performance this season as Michigan’s leading tackler only helped solidify that status.
Rod Moore and Josaiah Stewart are both interesting cases. Moore had a solid season, but didn’t quite take the next step fans hoped he would. Stewart was also solid, but it seems like he’s got another level he could get to. His size at only 6-foot-1 also doesn’t do him any favors. Both could benefit from another year in college, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they try to go to the next level.
