Michigan Football: Position-by-Position Grades for 2016 Recruiting Class

The Michigan football program enjoyed a strong finish to the 2016 recruiting cycle and wound up with the No. 5 group in the nation, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

Broken down into positional groups, though, how did the Wolverines fare?

While the final grade is subjective, factors used to determine the collective evaluation include the individual skills of each addition, the prospect's fit and how well the coaching staff addressed the position.

Neither decommitments nor missed targets affected the final marks. The focus remained on players headed to Ann Arbor.

Quarterback

Uncertainty at quarterback dominated the 2015 offseason and should do the same this year. Michigan certainly hopes its 4-star enrollee will change that in future seasons.

Brandon Peters, a pro-style gunslinger out of Avon, Indiana, tallied 3,103 yards and 37 touchdowns while tossing just five interceptions as a senior in high school.

In all likelihood, Peters will compete for the starting job but ultimately take a redshirt in 2016. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and passing game coordinator Jedd Fisch could then develop Peters in an environment free of external pressure for a year.

Although he isn't penciled into the starting lineup down the road, Peters may be a three-season starter for the Wolverines.

Grade: A

Running Back

A proper Harbaugh attack is built to control the clock. The offensive line carries much of that burden, but the committee of running backs the 2015 team utilized isn't always a good thing.

Kareem Walker will attempt to join that rotation this year and establish himself as the clear-cut No. 1 option quickly. He enrolled early and should contribute in some manner right away.

Similarly, Chris Evans might simply be too dynamic to not see the field as a true freshman. Though the versatile athlete may never be a featured player in college, Evans' explosive running and reliable hands should lead to consistent snaps.

Kingston Davis is listed as a fullback, but the 6'1", 225-pound bruiser will play running back, according to Josh Henschke of Scout.

Grade: A

Wide Receiver

Barring injury, Michigan is set at wide receiver next season. Consequently, the 2016 cycle was the perfect time to build depth at the position.

Dylan Crawford and Ahmir Mitchell highlight the five-man haul, which also includes 4-star Brad Hawkins as well as 3-stars Eddie McDoom and Nate Johnson.

Each of the prospects is talented enough to earn snaps immediately, although Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh will handle the majority of reps. The true freshmen will battle Grant Perry, Drake Harris and Maurice Ways for third-string duties.

Then in 2017, the Wolverines will expect this class to start contributing regularly and keep the offense a formidable unit.

Grade: A

Tight End

Credit: 247Sports

Nick Eubanks

As was the case at receiver, the Maize and Blue weren't in dire need of immediate reinforcements at tight end. Jake Butt has the starting job locked up.

Granted, Michigan must have a second player who sees the field primarily as a blocker. A.J. Williams was terrific in that role last year but exhausted his eligibility.

Devin Asiasi, a 6'3", 270-pounder, certainly has the frame for that responsibility. Though he'll need to refine that technique before claiming a consistent role, Asiasi is ready to play a limited part this season.

Nick Eubanks and Sean McKeon have higher potential as pass-catchers, but both would benefit from a redshirt season. As long as one of them develops, Michigan will have respectable complements at tight end beyond 2016.

Grade: A-

Offensive Line

Credit: 247Sports

Ben Bredeson

The Wolverines might have to replace four starters after the 2016 season, depending on if Mason Cole is ready for the NFL. Fortunately for them, a couple recent signees could step in.

Ben Bredeson will begin his college career working at left guard, according to Nick Baumgardner of MLive. Bredeson has the versatility to shift back outside but is an obvious choice to succeed Ben Braden.

At the other guard spot, Michael Onenwu is quite simply too big to ignore. He's listed at 6'3" and 360 pounds, which surely will be monitored to maintain the proper balance of using size as an advantage without sacrificing burst.

Stephen Spanellis is a bit of a project but could progress into a strong reserve piece for the interior.

Since Michigan didn't add an offensive tackle, the coaching staff must be content with the current depth—like Grant Newsome. That developing need will likely be addressed in 2017.

Grade: B+

Defensive Line

For the first two months of the season, Michigan's strength was the defensive line. Rashan Gary, the nation's top-rated recruit, should demand a place in the rotation this season, no matter if it's at end, tackle or both.

Gary's billing may have caused Ron Johnson to be overlooked in the class. Make no mistake: He has tremendous edge-rushing ability and could be a fixture soon.

Joshua Uche and Michael Dwumfour were respectable additions for the future, and the defensive line's current depth will allow both players to use their needed redshirt season in 2016.

If Harbaugh and Co. grab a highly rated defensive tackle during the current cycle, most of the concerns will be alleviated. For now, though, Michigan could be thin inside after this year. Granted, having Gary available will prevent any sort of panic.

Grade: A-

Linebacker

Credit: 247Sports

Elysee Mbem-Bosse

Michigan desperately needed linebackers who could contribute immediately. The staff secured two players with that potential in Devin Bush Jr.—an early enrollee—and Elysee Mbem-Bosse.

Carlo Kemp was a terrific candidate for the "Buck" linebacker spot. However, according to Baumgardner, Kemp said new D-coordinator Don Brown doesn't plan on using that position. Kemp will likely take a redshirt while adjusting to outside linebacker.

Josh Newkirk of Scout noted that Devin Gil, who is listed as a safety, will transition to linebacker. The 6'1", 205-pounder should make an impact on special teams.

The lone commit who hasn't signed, Dytarious Johnson, said the staff is honoring his scholarship, according to Duane Rankin of the Montgomery Advertiser.

Grade: A-

Secondary

Fans of the Maize and Blue might be having trouble containing their excitement to see Lavert Hill and David Long together. Michigan supporters only need to wait a year.

The pair of top-150 prospects figure to replace All-American Jourdan Lewis and Jeremy Clark after the 2016 season.

Since the entire secondary is basically set to graduate, Hill and Long may creep into the rotation, especially in decided fourth quarters. Khaleke Hudson could do the same.

Josh Metellus was a productive safety in high school, but must add weight before securing an every-down role. Once that happens, Metellus can compete for a starting job.

Grade: A

Special Teams

Kenny Allen could handle all three specialists roles—placekicker, punter and kickoff specialist—during the 2016 campaign. Quinn Nordin has other thoughts.

The nation's No. 1 kicker, Nordin flipped from Penn State. In high school, he certainly displayed the distance and hangtime necessary to challenge for the starting role.

Regardless of what happens in 2016, Michigan has a player who will only get stronger. Nordin is a potential four-year starter, perhaps at multiple kicking spots.

Grade: A

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.