Projecting the Most Draft-Worthy Michigan Wolverines for the Next Two Years

There was a time when you could expect several Michigan Wolverine football players to be drafted every year in the NFL.

Over the last couple years, the numbers have declined considerably, mostly due to a change in scheme that does not translate to professional football.

Here are six players from Michigan's current roster that could have their names called in the 2012 or 2013 NFL Drafts.

David Molk (C)

David Molk has excelled in his development as a top level center over his time at Michigan.  He won first team All-Big Ten honors a year ago and will be one of the top candidates for the Rimington Award this year.

Molk is a senior this season and will no doubt be chosen in the NFL draft next April. I suspect he will be a second day pick, and would be an absolute steal for a team in the later rounds.

Darryl Stonum (WR)

Stonum will need to prove that he does not have character issues by keeping himself out of trouble over the next two years at Michigan.  Stonum was charged with a DUI, but was allowed to remain on the team as long as he redshirted for the entire 2011 season.  He will have one year of eligibility left in 2012.

Stonum shows all the physical attributes to be a solid NFL receiver, but lacks having an offensive scheme that focuses on using pro-style players.  That should change with Brady Hoke taking over as the new Michigan coach, but Stonum will have only one year to prove himself worthy of a draft pick. 

Expect a third day call for Darryl, as a team should pick him up for depth in the 2013 NFL draft.

Denard Robinson (QB)

Denard has Antwan Randle El written all over him.  He is a dynamic playmaker who lacks the pro-style ability to play quarterback at the next level.  His speed and football instinct should allow him a shot in the NFL as a scatback or slot receiver type player.

He does need to add some size to avoid injury, but Denard is a solid kid with a good head on his shoulders.  I can't imagine he would put up too much of a fight on changing positions, and would be willing to do what he needs to do to earn a roster spot at the next level.

I predict Robinson to get a look in the third or fourth round, but not as a quarterback.

Mike Martin (DT)

Mike Martin would be a nice fit up front for an NFL defense.  He does great things in the middle of the defensive line, and has a motor that does not quit.  He was a second team All-Big Ten selection last year.  It will be hard to earn first team honors with Jared Crick and Jerel Worthy in the conference, but Martin has the ability to be included in the conversation with them.

With the importance of the front four in the NFL these days, Martin should be selected on the second day.  Teams are always looking to add good prospects to their roster, and at worst Martin would be a good pickup for depth.

Craig Roh (DE)

Craig Roh is another Michigan defensive lineman who has all the physical attributes that could turn him into a solid NFL player.  He could use about 20 pounds added onto his frame, but he has good speed and is a sure tackler.

Roh is only a junior this year and should improve and polish his skills over the next two years with the Wolverines.  Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison is a great teacher and knows what it takes for a young player to make it in the NFL.  Craig Roh is a little bit of a wild card because he won't be drafted until 2013, but has the potential to go anywhere from the second round to the sixth round.

Will Campbell (DT)

Will Campbell is an unbelievable talent whose NFL aspirations may have been ruined by the Rich Rodriguez era.  He was the number two defensive tackle in the country coming out of high school, but has recorded only 5 tackles in his first two years at Michigan.

Rodriguez played Will Campbell in limited time as a freshman, then tried moving him to the offensive line as a sophomore.  By doing such a poor job with player development, this prized prospect has never really been given a chance to realize his full potential.

With Greg Mattison taking over the defense, I expect to see Campbell improve his play by leaps and bounds in 2011.  By the time 2012 rolls around, we could be talking about him being a potential first round NFL draft pick.  His future will depend on how well the new coaching staff brings him along in the next two years.