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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.<\/p>\n
Previously: Edge rusher Derrick Moore<\/a>, edge rusher\/linebacker Jaishawn Barham<\/a>, defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny<\/a>, linebacker Jimmy Rolder<\/a>, tight end Marlin Klein<\/a>, fullback Max Bredeson<\/a><\/p>\n Next up is wide receiver Donaven McCulley<\/a><\/p>\n Career at Michigan<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u00a0after the\u00a0catch 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.<\/p>\n Latest projections<\/p>\n McCulley is ranked No. 401 in the\u00a0NFL Mock Draft database<\/a>, and No. 55\u00a0among\u00a0wide receivers<\/p>\n McCulley\u00a0is a free-agent\u00a0prospect, and the No. 47\u00a0wide receiver in The Athletic’s<\/a> projections<\/p>\n McCulley\u00a0is the No. 373\u00a0overall prospect and No. 55 wide receiver\u00a0in CBS Sports’ 472-person big board<\/a><\/p>\n McCulley\u00a0is the No. 377\u00a0overall prospect in Pro Football Focus’s big board<\/a>, and No.\u00a055 wide receiver<\/p>\n