Michigan DT slips in Mel Kiper’s latest NFL mock draft

Throughout most of the pre-2025 NFL Draft process, most experts have had four Michigan players projected to go in the first round.

Longtime NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. only has three Wolverines getting selected in the first 32 picks in his latest mock draft, released Tuesday.

While he still has defensive tackle Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland off the board within the first 20 picks, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant has slipped into the second round at No. 43 overall.

In Kiper’s previous mock on March 18, he predicted the 6-foot-4, 331-pounder to the Buffalo Bills at No. 30. Now he has the 49ers landing him 13 picks later.

“Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins were released‚” Kiper wrote. “Grant would clog up the middle in their place. He’s 6-foot-4 and 331 pounds, and he has explosiveness and good instincts to his game. Hitting on Day 2 picks would help San Francisco replenish its roster and remain a contender in the NFC. Grant has the potential to immediately contribute in a big way.”

Grant, a two-time all-Big Ten selection, withdrew from participating from on-field testing and drills just before the NFL combine but worked out at Michigan’s pro day on March 21. He ran a 5.11-second 40-yard dash and managed 27 reps on the bench press.

“It went better than I expected,” Grant said after his pro day. “I felt really good, so I decided to do everything. Body was feeling good, hammy was feeling good. Just taking care of my body and trying to compete.”

Graham, his interior running mate, hasn’t moved in Kiper’s projections since his last mock, going to the Jaguars with the fifth pick.

“I’m out of things to say about Graham to Jacksonville,” Kiper wrote. “I’ve projected this match in all four of my mock drafts. New coach Liam Coen might want offensive playmakers for Trevor Lawrence, but the Jaguars have a chance to finally get a pocket-pushing disruptor for the middle of the defensive line.

“With great power and quickness, Graham can get into the backfield to create interior pressure on quarterbacks and drop running backs behind the line of scrimmage. He had 3.5 sacks and 14 run stops last season. With Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker collapsing the pocket on either side, Graham could have an immediate impact. And the Jaguars -- who ranked 31st in yards allowed per play in 2024 (5.9) -- could use all the help they can get.”

Kiper also has Johnson going to San Francisco with its first pick, No. 11 overall. The former five-star recruit will reportedly work out in front of NFL teams on Monday after not participating in drills at the combine or Michigan’s pro day because of injury.

In March, Kiper pegged Johnson to the Cardinals at No. 16.

“Johnson missed time last season with a toe injury, and he slid from the top five to No. 12 overall on my Big Board‚” Kiper wrote in his latest mock. “But the talent is undeniable. He’s big -- 6-foot-2 -- and his instincts and ball skills show up in the box scores. He had nine interceptions over his Michigan career, including two pick-sixes last season. The 49ers had 11 total INTs a year ago (tied for 19th).”

Lastly, Kiper continues to like Indianapolis as a landing spot for Loveland, who had more than 300 yards receiving than any Wolverines wideout last season despite missing three games.

“The Colts could take a wideout such as Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka or Texas’ Matthew Golden. But Loveland is ranked higher on my board than all three and could immediately become Indy’s No. 1 tight end. I see him hauling in some Richardson deep balls down the seam.”

The NFL draft is April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.