Michigan Football: 2015 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results

Jim Harbaugh will make the Michigan Wolverines a national powerhouse by the time he leaves the school, but that doesn't mean he has the magic touch for the team's 2015 NFL draft prospects.

Wide receiver Devin Funchess and linebacker Jake Ryan are the only locks to be selected, while defensive end Frank Clark and quarterback/receiver Devin Gardner will be late-round thoughts.

This piece will highlight the Wolverines' draft hopefuls. Prior to the April 30 event, we will analyze all four athletes and their respective strengths as football players. We will also discuss predictions on draft positioning. 

Once the draft ends, we will update the slides with details on each player and how he might fit in with his future team.

WR Devin Funchess

Drafted: Round 2, No. 41 to Carolina Panthers

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 230 lbs

Analysis

Devin Funchess could hardly be entering a better situation to earn a starting position upon arrival. The tight end-turned-wide receiver will line up opposite Kelvin Benjamin, the Carolina Panthers' first-round pick in 2014.

Funchess isn't a stellar route runner or a speed demon by any means, but he has excellent ball skills. And considering the Panthers have no offensive line to protect Cam Newton, Funchess should have plenty of opportunities at jump-balls.

Replacement

Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson will battle for the No. 1 responsibility, though the former should eventually separate himself as the top option. Darboh reeled in 36 passes for 473 yards and two touchdowns last season.

DE Frank Clark

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 63 to Seattle Seahawks

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 272 lbs

Analysis

Former Michigan coach Brady Hoke dismissed Frank Clark from the program in mid-November following domestic violence charges. But the Seattle Seahawks aren't afraid of taking some risks, so it was hardly surprising they tabbed Clark. 

He might end up taking over for Bruce Irvin as a late-down edge-rusher, since Irvin could be on his way out of Seattle. Clark is a tremendously talented defensive end who can make an immediate impact in the Seahawks' rotation.

Put simply, the only negative is Clark's off-the-field issues, but Seattle is willing to take the backlash.

Replacement

Taco Charlton—who might just have the best name in all of college football—may share snaps with Mario Ojemudia, Clark's replacement for the final two outings of 2014. The decision will likely depend on if they stick at strong- and weak-side defensive end, respectively.

LB Jake Ryan

RICH SCHULTZ/Associated Press

Drafted: Round 4, No. 129 to Green Bay Packers

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 236 lbs

Analysis

The Green Bay Packers led Brad Jones walk, which created a opening on the roster for a linebacker who can contribute special teams. Jake Ryan can play both inside and outside 'backer, so he's halfway there. For him to stick with Green Bay, Ryan must be willing to dominate on kick coverage.

Replacement

The NCAA approved the school's request for a medical redshirt, so Desmond Morgan has a fifth year of eligibility. He'll join Joe Bolden and James Ross III on the second level.

QB/WR Devin Gardner

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Projection: Undrafted

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 216 lbs

Analysis

Devin Gardner cannot play quarterback in a real, live NFL game, but he sure is tempting to clear a space for on the roster. Gardner switched to wide receiver after the 2014 campaign finish, the position that gives him the best chance to play at the professional level.

Can he be more than a fixture on a practice squad? It seems unlikely. Regardless, Gardner could be a valuable, versatile scout-team contributor and would be well-paid for his efforts.

Replacement

Harbaugh has some work to do under center. Shane Morris, Jake Rudock and Wilton Speight are the main competitors at quarterback. However, Morris has struggled in scattered appearances, Rudock was inconsistent at Iowa before transferring and Speight hasn't played at UM.

Note: Draft projections via Matt Miller's mock draft. Heights and weights via Michigan's official athletics site.