Michigan Football: Biggest Remaining 2016 Recruiting Needs

Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football program received a pair of significant commitments recently, but the coaching staff will continue to address some notable needs in the 2016 recruiting class.

While pledges from 4-stars Kareem Walker and Devin Bush Jr. helped the Wolverines further establish themselves atop the rankings—currently No. 2 in the 247Sports composite rankings—Michigan shouldn't be done looking at one of their positions.

Additionally, since some of the roster's top talent may return next season, 2016 is the perfect time to bring in second-year impact players.

The Wolverines' 2016 class is already in excellent shape, but filling a handful of needs could brighten their future even more. 

5. Wide Receiver

Barring a surprising declaration for the NFL draft, Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh will play one more season in Ann Arbor and spend another year developing.

That's truly a perfect scenario for the Wolverines, who have a few commits at receiver but are still targeting the position.

Four-star Dylan Crawford and 3-star Keyshawn Young could join Brad Hawkins and Nate Johnson in the class. The four players would be a well-rounded group of explosive athletes and technically sound wideouts.

Considering the scheme, Michigan doesn't need a collection of receivers. Signing a handful, though, will allow the Wolverines to build depth behind new starters in 2017.

4. Tight End

Courtesy of 247Sports

Isaac Nauta

While the Wolverines are fortunate they don't have to replace Big Ten Tight End of the Year Jake Butt right away, one target could make the transition period much smoother.

Isaac Nauta, a 5-star and the top prospect at his position, is the obvious prize. Steve Lorenz of 247Sports notes Nauta's recruitment is between Michigan and Georgia, though Miami has been making a late push since hiring ex-Georgia coach Mark Richt.

Should the Maize and Blue fail to reel in Nauta, the coaching staff will likely ramp up the pursuit of 4-star Jacob Mathis or Cary Angeline.

Three-star Sean McKeon is set to enroll early, per Lorenz, but Michigan would be smart to add a second tight end.

3. Cornerback

Courtesy of USA Today Sports

Lavert Hill

Since Jourdan Lewis plans to return and Jabrill Peppers is not eligible to declare for the NFL draft, the Wolverines secondary should once again be among the best in the nation next year.

After 2016, however, Lewis will run out of eligibility, and the versatile Peppers may choose to earn a sizable paycheck at the professional level. Plus, the college careers of Jeremy Clark and Channing Stribling will end.

Sir Patrick Scott and Antwaine Richardson are already in the class, but Michigan is also looking at a couple of highly ranked prospects in David Long and Lavert Hill.

Cornerback is one of the toughest spots for a player to make an immediate impact, so picking the right guys now is critical for the year of transition in 2017. 

2. Defensive Tackle

Ryan Glasgow's injury exposed a significant problem on Michigan's defensive line. Good thing the 2016 class should shore up that weakness.

Jordan Elliott and Rashad Weaver are committed, though Matt Vender of 247Sports writes Weaver is keeping his options open in case something changes at Michigan.

Perhaps that change would be a pair of verbal pledges from Rashan Gary, the No. 1 overall player of the cycle, as well as Keyshon Camp.

Glasgow has one season of eligibility remaining. Once he's gone, though, the Wolverines will expect contributions from the 2016 class of defensive tackles.

1. Linebacker

Courtesy of 247Sports

Devin Bush Jr.

Michigan needs linebackers yesterday. Defensive captain Joe Bolden, starter Desmond Morgan and key reserve James Ross III are all on their way out, leaving Ben Gedeon as the only player with experience.

Yeah, there's trouble brewing at the position.

Bush joined Dytarious Johnson as a verbal pledge, but the Wolverines can hardly take enough linebackers in this cycle.

Tom Loy of 247Sports notes 5-star Caleb Kelly is likely an Oklahoma-Notre Dame battle, so the likelier candidates for Michigan are 4-stars Jonathan Jones and Dontavious Jackson.

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All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.