April 23, 2026, 11:22 a.m. ET

The 2026 NFL draft is approaching, but no Michigan players are expected to be selected in the first round.An ESPN mock draft projects seven former Wolverines will be chosen over the draft’s second and third days.Edge rusher Derrick Moore is predicted to be the first Michigan player taken, going in the second round.Other projected Michigan draftees include players at linebacker, defensive tackle, tight end, kicker, and fullback.

The 2026 NFL draft is set to commence on Thursday night, as the three-day event will place outgoing college football players into the professional ranks. Though Michigan football is expected to have a solid contingent learn their futures over the course of the next three days, there are not any who are anticipated to go in the first round on Thursday.

Who will go then, and when?

ESPN’s Jordan Reid put out a full seven-round mock draft to preview who he thinks will go and where, and he has seven former Wolverines being selected on Friday and Saturday. While there are some notable players omitted (edge rusher TJ Guy, offensive linemen Greg Crippen and Giovanni El-Hadi, linebacker Ernest Hausmann, wide receiver Donaven McCulley, defensive tackles Damon Payne and Tré Williams), there are seven he expects to be taken.

Here is who and where.

Round Two

50. Detroit Lions: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan

The Lions ranked 26th in the NFL in pass rush win rate last season (32%) despite having second-team All-Pro edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Moore had 10 sacks last season and could replace the departed Al-Quadin Muhammad as Detroit’s secondary pass rusher.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Round Three

70. Cleveland Browns: Jaishawn Barham, Edge/LB, Michigan

Barham’s stock has risen after he switched from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher last season. He plays the game with violent intentions and could contribute immediately in Cleveland.

Round Four

122. Atlanta Falcons (from PHI): Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan

130. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan

Round Five

151. Miami Dolphins: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan

Round Seven

219. Las Vegas Raiders: Dominic Zvada, K, Michigan

250. Baltimore Ravens*: Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan