We’re just days away from the NFL Draft and there are several Michigan Wolverines that hope to hear their name called. The consensus across the national media seems to be that edge rusher Derrick Moore will be the first Wolverine to hear his name called. But there are a few options for who could be the second, including a newcomer that has rocketed up boards since the NFL Combine.
Here are our three options for the next Wolverine selected in the draft after Moore.
1. LB Jaishawn Barham
Right before the NFL Combine, ESPN’s
Field Yates mentioned there was buzz among the scouting community about Barham. He made the switch from middle linebacker to edge in 2025, showing off some elite traits in a short window amid the transition.
The sense from what I’ve seen is he’s a Day 2 prospect who improved his status at the Combine. Scouts love his size at 6-foot-3 and 243 pounds, while also being extremely athletic and showcasing positional versatility. Many think he could eventually become a starter.
A fear is he might be a jack of all trades but a master of none. His experience at edge was limited, and he lacked a ton of production at both positions. But front offices love upside because it makes them look great when they hit on the right player. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him selected in the late second round depending on how the board shakes out, but his range sits anywhere between the late-second and mid-fourth.
2. DL Rayshaun Benny
Most evaluate Benny right outside the top-10 interior defensive line prospects. Many see him as a reliable option against the run because of his movement skills and ability to close gaps. He’s hovering in the 100-160 range on a lot of big boards out there.
However, naysayers knock Benny for his limited upside and production in rushing the passer, which is pushing him to the Day 3 conversation. Being a late Day 2 selection is the best case scenario, and for that to happen, there likely has to be a run on defensive linemen because this class is seen as deep at the position.
3. LB Jimmy Rolder
Two months ago, I would have called you crazy if you told me Rolder might be the second Wolverine taken in the draft. At the end of the season, many saw him as a late Day 3 selection at best. However, as recently as last weekend, ESPN’s Matt Miller had Rolder at No. 100 on his big board. This list was off a compilation based on film study, pre-draft events and conversations he had with NFL scouts and evaluators.
That’s about the trajectory Rolder was on when he played nine games as a freshman on a deep 2022 Michigan defense. But he didn’t become a starter until his senior season, where he broke out with a team-leading 73 tackles, including seven for loss, and two sacks. That upward trajectory continued into the NFL Combine, where he outpaced expectations with a RAS (relative athletic score) in the 94.9th percentile.
Rolder’s ascension up boards is worth noting as one of the hotter names and a potential dark horse to be picked second among those who wore the winged helmet.
