As the 2026 NFL Draft is slated to take place this weekend, we take a look at the Michigan players who have a chance to hear their name called in the seven-round, 257-pick event. Before they begin their professional careers, we look back at their Michigan careers, see where they are projected to be selected and analyze their strengths and weaknesses from a draft perspective.
Previously: Edge rusher Derrick Moore, edge rusher/linebacker Jaishawn Barham, defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny, linebacker Jimmy Rolder, tight end Marlin Klein, fullback Max Bredeson
Next up is wide receiver Donaven McCulley
Career at Michigan
After an up and down career at Indiana that saw him start games at quarterback, then emerge as the Hoosiers’ leading receiver in 2023 before a redshirt 2024 season, McCulley transferred to Michigan for a fifth and final collegiate season.
It would be hard to argue he didn’t make an impact with the Wolverines. The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder from Indianapolis started all 13 games for the Wolverines. He caught 39 passes on 77 targets, totaling 588 receiving yards and three touchdowns. In those 39 receptions, he picked up 30 first downs, 183 yards after the catch, eight contested catches and forced six missed tackles, with three drops.
His big-play prowess was evident. Among 44 Big Ten receivers with at least 50 targets in 2025, McCulley ranked 32nd in receptions, 18th in receiving yards, seventh in yards per reception, sixth in average depth of target, 13th in contested catches and 16th in first downs. Efficiency was a shortcoming at times, however, as he ranked 42nd of 44 in passer rating when targeted, 43rd in reception rate, 25th in yards after the catch per reception, 26th in drop rate, 25th in yards per route run and 21st in contested catch rate. He recorded at least one catch in every game, and had four straight games with at least 45 receiving yards to close the season.
Latest projections
McCulley is ranked No. 401 in the NFL Mock Draft database, and No. 55 among wide receivers
McCulley is a free-agent prospect, and the No. 47 wide receiver in The Athletic’s projections
McCulley is the No. 373 overall prospect and No. 55 wide receiver in CBS Sports’ 472-person big board
McCulley is the No. 377 overall prospect in Pro Football Focus’s big board, and No. 55 wide receiver
McCulley ranks as the No. 331 prospect in ESPN’s big board, and No. 49 wide receiver
What scouts will like
McCulley’s size and catch radius (6-foot-4, 6-foot-8 wingspan) should help him stand out as an outside receiving threat, particularly given his plus-mobility for that size. He has played for several offensive schemes, mostly underwhelming ones, and only switched to wide receiver midway through his collegiate career. That should give him good scheme awareness and football IQ in interviews with coaches and scouts. As a receiver, he had a knack for getting open, even if he had to break routes, and was comfortable making a play on a 50-50 ball or through contact.
Coaches viewed him as a tough player comfortable with blocking, special teams and other roles that may be assessed to him as a lower-round draft pick.
Questions to answer
McCulley is still on the leaner side as a wide receiver, weighing just 203 pounds. He also remains limited in his experience as a pass-catcher, which cost him at times on contested catches. NFL teams may be leery of spending a draft pick developing his game, especially without verifiable speed and agility and already on the older end (he turned 23 in January) of wide receiver draft prospects.
As it stands, McCulley is a player likely on most teams’ draft-weekend radars, but likely as more of a priority free-agent pickup than a player to spend a draft pick on.
Quote
ESPN: “His movements are fluid, but he lacks exceptional burst. McCulley displays a good combination of balance, body control and hands. His high-point ability is consistent and he can make contested catches. He is not a burner who can speed away from defensive backs. As a blocker, McCulley is not extremely physical but will get in the way of defenders.