Expect Michigan to Have Much Better Showing at Next Year's NFL Combine

The 2016 NFL Scouting Combine features 332 of the nation's best college football players, but the storied Michigan football program will only send two potential draft picks.

Perhaps even more shocking, Graham Glasgow and Willie Henry bring the Wolverines' four-year total of representatives to just nine. For comparison's sake, Ohio State has a stunning 14 prospects in attendance this year alone.

Expect the Maize and Blue to snap the trend in a major way during the 2017 combine.

Jim Harbaugh's team heads into the offseason as a popular pick for national success during the 2016 campaign. A strong collection of seniors lead that hype.

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

The three-headed pass-catching attack of Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson and Jake Butt will propel Michigan's offense. Plus, each one should be headed to Indianapolis, especially since the latter two may be grouped among the top prospects at wide receiver and tight end, respectively.

Considering Keith Marshall (Georgia; 1,379 career rushing yards) and Brandon Wilds (South Carolina; season-best 570 yards) received invites to the 2016 combine, even De'Veon Smith has a chance.

On the offensive line, the Wolverines have three seniors in Ben Braden, Kyle Kalis and Erik Magnuson. Depending on their performance next season, at least two will probably earn a ticket to Lucas Oil Stadium.

Additionally, junior Mason Cole might elect to forgo his final season of eligibility. He'd be an attractive prospect for NFL teams thanks to his versatility, a trait Harbaugh recently praised while looking ahead to 2016. According to Nick Baumgardner of MLive, Harbaugh said:

"

He's a talented player. He can play tackle, guard or center. And he's one of our top linemen. We'll look at it, see what the best fit is. Get the best five (out there up front). ... I don't know if we've got another guy who can play all three positions like Mason. He's probably the only one that's shown he can play all three right now.

"

After spending two seasons at left tackle, Cole is taking reps at center to potentially replace Glasgow—whose brother Ryan is a standout nose tackle.

Chris Wormley joins Glasgow up front, giving Michigan what NFL Draft Scout considers the Nos. 4 and 12 D-tackles, respectively, for the class of 2017. Senior defensive end Taco Charlton slides in with a No. 13 ranking.

Jourdan Lewis—a second-team All-American in 2015—will almost certainly find himself with a high billing as well. The "undersized" label will follow the cornerback everywhere, but Lewis will have a shot to prove himself.

Fellow corner Jeremy Clark, who is listed at 6'4" and 205 pounds, has outrageous size for the position. He transitioned relatively well from safety to cornerback last year, so Clark's continued progression in 2016 will be key.

Wolverines fans probably are most excited about the development of another defensive back, however. That Jabrill Peppers guy is simply fantastic.

If he declares early for the draft, Peppers will be in the conversation for the fastest time in the speed and quickness tests. His ability to line up at strong safety, cornerback, running back, wide receiver and punt returner is practically unmatched.

Even placekicker Kenny Allen has a fighting chance, though earning an invite as a specialist is tremendously difficult. Being a two-year starter helps his case.

Barring a spectacular breakout season elsewhere, Michigan has 15 players with the potential to appear in the 2017 combine. While it's highly improbable all 15 are eventually offered a spot, the Wolverines should send at least nine to Indianapolis.

In all likelihood, the Maize and Blue will match their current four-year total.

Give a nod to Brady Hoke and his recruiting, but don't be afraid to call it the Harbaugh effect, either.

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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.