Michigan football dominates 2023 NFL Draft, sends 9 Wolverines to the league

As the NFL draft wrapped up today, nine players from last year’s Michigan football team were selected to join the big leagues. Michigan had the second-highest number of players drafted, trailing only Alabama and Georgia, which each had 10 players selected. Among Big Ten schools, Michigan had the most players drafted, leading the Penn State Nittany Lions and Ohio State Buckeyes, who both had six.

Michigan football NFL Draft class has a first-rounder

Mazi Smith: The Dallas Cowboys made a bold move in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting Mazi Smith with the 26th overall pick. This powerhouse defensive lineman was the first Wolverine to be drafted this year, and it’s not hard to see why. With his massive interior presence, Smith is sure to bring the heat to the Cowboys’ defense. And let’s not forget, Dallas has a reputation for drafting Jim Harbaugh’s players from Michigan. Looks like Smith is about to join a winning team and make a big impact in the NFL.

Second round

Luke Schoonmaker: Get ready to see a dynamic duo in Dallas next season as the Cowboys struck gold again in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, snagging Michigan tight end Schoonmaker with the 58th overall pick. Schoonmaker will be joining his Wolverine teammate Mazi Smith, who was also drafted by the Cowboys, making it a double dose of Michigan talent for Dallas. With his impressive size and hands, Schoonmaker is sure to be a valuable asset for the Cowboys’ offense.

DJ Turner: DJ Turner, a standout cornerback, was selected just two spots after Luke Schoonmaker at 60th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Turner will be taking his talents to Ohio, where he will be playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Third round

Jake Moody: The first kicker to be selected in the draft was none other than Michigan’s own, Jake Moody, who was taken with the 99th overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers. Moody’s selection marks the highest a kicker has been drafted since 2016.

Fifth round

Mike Morris: The Seattle Seahawks have added fan-favorite defensive lineman Mike Morris to their roster, selecting him at the 151st overall pick in the draft. But Morris won’t be making the move to Seattle alone — he’ll be joined by other talented players from his Michigan squad who were also selected in the draft.

Olu Oluwatimi: On the offensive side of the ball, center Oluwatimi is joining Mike Morris in Seattle, after being drafted 154th overall by the Seahawks, just three spots after his teammate.

Sixth round

Brad Robbins: Michigan Punter, Brad Robbins is going to Cincinnati, drafted at 217th overall. With him being drafted as well as Moody, Michigan became the second school in the past 40 years to have both a punter and a kicker taken in the same draft.

Seventh round

Ryan Hayes: The Miami Dolphins have added some beef to their offensive line by selecting Ryan Hayes with the 238th overall pick in the 7th round of the NFL draft. Hayes, a talented offensive tackle, will be heading to the sunshine state to join the Dolphins’ roster.

Ronnie Bell: And finally, capping off Michigan’s strong showing in the 2023 NFL Draft, wide receiver Ronnie Bell was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round as the 253rd overall pick. With six players drafted, Michigan football has once again demonstrated its impressive reputation in the NFL. Fans have no doubt that these Wolverines will continue to make them proud at the next level.

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