27 Tickets To Team 138: Post-Signing Day Edition

What is this? Folks who cover the USMNT drop lists like this projecting the 23 guys who end up on the next World Cup team. I have appropriated it. Regarding the number of tickets: 22 starters on offense and defense + 2 kickers + nickelback + FLEX TE  + SLOT.

PREVIOUSLY: 137 post-spring. 138 pre-bowl.

PACK YOUR BAGS

1. 3TECH Maurice Hurst, Sr.* [Last time: 1]

Crazy productive interior DL. Had just about the same grade at PFF as Michigan's NFL-bound stars despite getting about 60% of their snaps, with more QB hurries than anyone on the team. That's overall, not on a per-snap basis. Likely first rounder in the next NFL draft. Could have gone this year. Get in his belly.

2. C Mason Cole, Sr. [Last time: 2]

Bounce to guard a possibility if Michigan decides that starter #5 is Kugler or Ruiz; even so Cole is a lock to start. Needs more power if he's going to be a star. PFF liked him (+10.8) a year ago; they did not love him. Addition of Greg Frey and (possible) increased focused on outside zone might help him, as he is highly agile. Excellent in pass pro.

3. SDE Rashan Gary, So. [Last time: 3]

Omar comin', except his name is Rashan and he is not little. Like Hurst, stuck behind future pros in 2016. Still flashed freaky ability; year two should be a breakout year so enormous it shatters windows across the Midwest. #1 overall prospects are in fact guarantees, and Gary showed plenty to indicate he would not be an exception.

4. ILB Mike McCray, Sr* [Last time: 4]

Sole returning member of the front seven had some edge issues last year. Tackling in space was an Area For Improvement, as they say. Positives outweighed negatives, though, as McCray was an outstanding blitzer and reliably in the place he was supposed to be. Probably moves to MLB.

5. OT Ben Bredeson, So. [Last time: 6]

Projecting him on the outside now since Michigan's tackle recruiting ended with a bit of a splat. Bredeson was reputed to be neck and neck with Grant Newsome for the LT job in fall camp; while that turned out to be fiction, Bredeson started most of the season at G after Newsome's injury. Cole-like gentleman will get a lot better in year two.

6. QB Wilton Speight, Jr* [Last time: 7]

Bumped him to a lock. Because, I mean, obviously. 63%, 8.1 YPA, 17-5 TD-INT sophomore year. Impressive pocket presence, plus—but not perfect—accuracy, and increasing command of the offense will be tough to compete with. If he improves like Harbaugh quarterbacks always do you're looking at an All Big Ten player. (And an ugly shirt.)

UNLESS SOMETHING STRANGE HAPPENS

7. FS Tyree Kinnel, Jr. [Last time: 8]

Got more playing time than any other secondary backup, and played well. Defense did not miss a beat when he was in for extended periods. Used as a dimeback, mostly, for a four-safety look. Recruiting rep suggests he fits what Brown wants in his safeties—man coverage capable hitters. Old-ass-looking-man game strong. M needs to fill that role w/ Hill to the NFL.

8. WDE Chase Winovich, Jr.* [Last time: 9]

Ebullient pass rusher produced five sacks despite playing time often measured in single-digit snaps. 27 pressure events on just 277 snaps is outstanding production, and PFF even liked him as a run defender (+6.5). Best case scenario for him after spending 2015 as an H-back. Jake Ryan-at-DE comps look spot on so far.

9. OG Mike Onwenu, So. [Last time: 14]

Bounce for Onwenu since we're hearing that he was outstanding in practice last year and is widely regarded as a lock to move into the starting lineup by people close to the program. A 350 pound grape-destroying guard does sound rather like something Jim Harbaugh would favor. +3 in 91 snaps to PFF last year. That's like +30 for a full season. Caveat: Rutgers.

10. ILB Devin Bush, So. [Last time: 11]

Hearing that Bush's active hands and advanced ability to read plays has him well in front of his competition. Size is the only issue at the moment, and while he's always going to be 5'11" he can still pack on some muscle. Having dad around doesn't hurt his development, either. Brings a much-needed infusion of dreads to the starting lineup. Has no idea how to draw a Wolverine.

11. FLEX Ian Bunting, Jr.*[Last time: 15]

Ol' Skillet Hands did not have the breakout season many anticipated thanks in part to injury; flashed massive receiving upside after Butt's exit against FSU. Also blew a pass protection rather spectacularly, but Bunting's around to not be covered when he's covered, if you get my drift. Blocking is a sidelight. Should get most of Butt's targets this year.

12. CB Lavert Hill, So. [Last time: 23]

Bounce for both corners from the 2016 class w/ Jeremy Clark's exit. Hill edges Long thanks to late-season playing time and a couple of nice, Lewis-like PBUs. Ambry Thomas will push; bet here is that St-Juste needs at least a year of seasoning. Hill passed the rest of the roster by midseason last year.

13. CB David Long, Fr.* [Last time: NR]

Bet here is that lack of playing time for long was more about an opportunity to redshirt him after he missed a couple early games rather than a talent thing. Long was regarded as the highest-floor guy in the class by Lorenz and others last year and would have borne that out without a series of nagging injuries.

14. NT Bryan Mone, Jr.* [Last time: 10]

Slight ding for Mone since Michigan added a couple of threats to play early in Aubrey Solomon and underrated James Hudson. Still in the near-lock category because young DL are usually bad. Flashed his talent late in the year, most prominently vs OSU. Now is the time to deliver. Deliver meats.

15. FB/H-back Khalid Hill, Sr.* [Last time: 20]

If I had a Panda / I'd hammer in the morning / I'd hammer in the evening / but only in the endzone. Impact Fullback Khalid Hill specialized in two-for-one edge blocks, one yard touchdown runs, wide open flare routes, spectacular catches, and self-nicknaming that was so amazing people just ran with it.

FAIRLY SAFE BET

16. RB Chris Evans, So. [Last time: 16]

Quick-twitch athlete emerged into clear #2 behind Smith by season's end. Capable of nasty short-area jukes; doesn't break many tackles; home-run hitter. Receiving upside unexplored last year but will emerge as his career wears on. Will split snaps with Isaac, Higdon, and others in crowded backfield. Should be allowed to wear a helmet that has his hair on it.

17. SLOT Grant Perry, Jr. [Last time: 5]

Looming legal issues bust him down several spots, not to mention the addition of Oliver Martin. Accusations are of the suspension, not expulsion nature, and the fact that Perry's going to court about it means this might be more like that thing with Marlin Jackson back in the day. Worst case is probably a diversion. Still a route artisan who sold various double moves and a redzone weapon.

18. WR Kekoa Crawford, So. [Last time: 17]

Emerged as clear #3 option on the outside thanks in large part to terrific blocking. Had one bad drop and one badass catch to go with some more routine events. Arrival of mondo WR recruiting class doesn't occasion major hit for him since freshman WRs are usually bad, and that blocking tho. Meanwhile only DPJ was clearly a higher-rated recruit.

19. TE Tyrone Wheatley Jr, So.* [Last time: NR]

Kaiju coin flip currently easy choice since there are deeply unfortunate rumors that Asiasi is seeking a transfer to the West Coast. Both guys flashed A+ blocking ability and receiving that should not be a thing given their size. Both have huge upside, and should start paying that off this year. Someone get a big ol' butterfly net for Asiasi.

IN A BATTLE

20. K Quinn Nordin, Fr.* [Last time: 12]

Never should have had him as high as he was since he is a kicker. A kicker who was 2/3 on field goals as a senior. He could be an Aguayo or go 0/20 before returning to his home planet. This is the way of the kicker. Ryan Tice also an option; reportedly decent in practice.Committed to Penn State w/ ridiculous video, which we 1000% approve of.

21. SAM Noah Furbush, Jr* [Last time: 21]

Peppers's backup last year, and well-liked by the coaches. But how does Furbush replace a safety? Because that's what Peppers is, a safety. Most Don Brown SAM top out at 215, and Furbush is much bigger than that. Wouldn't be surprised to see him move inside, or reprise his backup role behind a Hudson type.

22. SS Khaleke Hudson, So. [Last time: 18]

Drop for Hudson as reports indicate he's had some struggles in coverage. Still here because the alternatives are all freshmen, and also he is an MGoFave-Rave. Spring will confirm or dis-confirm his ability at safety; if not there's always VIPER(!!!) or RB. Blocked two punts a year ago.

23. VIPER(!!!) Josh Metellus [Last time: NR]

Metellus bounces Watson as it's clear Michigan will deploy a spacebacker type. Metellus prime candidate to be that guy after spotting Jabrill Peppers in the bowl game and adding insult to injury with six mean-ass tackles against Rutgers. Won't be Peppers unless someone unearths a terrible ritual from Earth's ancient past and what are you waiting for go do it.

24. P Brad Robbins, Fr. [Last time: NR]

Foresight of using Jordan Glasgow in a bear shirt instead of a picture of the punter in question should now be undeniable, as I can leave Jordan Glasgow in a bear shirt up instead of scouring the internet for a picture of Brad Robbins, new scholarship punter and hang-time specialist.

25. OG Patrick Kugler, Sr.* [Last time: NR]

W/ Bredeson outside there is an available G spot. We're going with redshirt senior Patrick Kugler over Cesar Ruiz because we just saw a highly touted freshman OL at this very  guard spot and it was a bit grim. Kugler was the clear #6 on the line a year ago, occasionally spotting Kyle Kalis when he was dinged. PFF had him +0.3 in 118 snaps. This was in fact better than the starters. Caveat: Rutgers.

26. WR Drake Harris, Jr.* [Last time: 22]

Harris is under significantly more threat than Crawford because he's less likely to take a big step forward since he's been on campus a couple more years and he hasn't erased a bunch of DBs. Keeping him a hair in front of DPJ, et al., because he is apparently good buds with Speight and looked like he might approach his HS self on various downfield opportunities last year.

27. OT Andrew Stueber, Fr. [Last time: NR]

Hearing conflicting things about Grant Newsome's availability; we'll take the pessimistic road here and project a redshirt for him. Michigan will thus be choosing between JBB (-2.6 in just 179 snaps last year) and a freshman. We're thinking freshman. Stueber has the size at almost 6'7" and Lorenz swears up and down he's underrated, so here's a 27th ticket.

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TECHNICALLY NOT STARTERS BUT CLOSE ENOUGH

RB Drake Johnson—Michigan will apply for sixth year, but do they have the room?
RB Ty Isaac—spring hype petered out into decent play.
RB Karan Higdon—Impressed with his quick cuts and low pad level. Will continue to see snaps.

FB Henry Poggi—less dynamic Michigan fullback, and one who had some issues getting his hat on someone last year.

WR Eddie McDoom—MCDOOOOOOOOM
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones—Braylon 2.0? Except with better hands? Maybe.

TE Devin Asiasi—baby please don't go.

T Grant Newsome—maybe he can get there this year. Maybe not.

CB Ambry Thomas—let's have a tiny war.
CB Brandon Watson—nickelback sort got a reasonable amount of PT last year.

PUSHING FROM BEHIND

QB Brandon Peters—first Harbaugh-selected QB on the roster comes with massive expectations.
QB John O'Korn—iffy Indiana outing was a win, at least.

RBKareem Walker—academic redshirt out of the way and time to start displaying that talent.
RB Kingston Davis—some transfer chatter.

FB Ben Mason—will get shot at LB but FB depth chart is wide open next year

WR Nate Johnson—mean-ass slot receiver, if that's a thing. Golden Tate is ceiling.
WR Moe Ways—passed by Crawford and Harris. Getting late early.
WR Tarik Black—mondo outside WR impressed at Army game.
WR Oliver Martin—slot-ish guy with downfield upside and not-just-a-shooter athleticism.
WR Nico Collins—Funchess 2.0?

TE Sean McKeon—probably did get a redshirt after all.

TJuwann Bushell-Beatty—sixth OL after the Newsome injury so there's probably some chance, but played poorly.
C Cesar Ruiz—advanced C prospect will push for starting job

SDE Carlo Kemp—well liked by coaching staff and should be Gary's backup.
NT Michael Dwumfour—hearing positive things about his ability; Glasgow-esque.
NT Aubrey Solomon—monster five star nose prospect will be in two deep from the drop.
3T James Hudson—Henry 2.0.
WDE Ron Johnson—hyped edge rusher could be Winovich's backup.
WDE Luiji Vilain—big mover after Army game will push for PT immediately.

ILB Elysee Mbem-Bosse—most likely ILB backup given roster.
SAM Josh Uche—Don Brown dude could be chaos generator.

S Jaylen Kelly-Powell—Cass's pick to cover Ambry Thomas. Promises to be slot-coverage safety.
S J'Marick Woods—3.5 out of Alabama was a favorite of the coaching staff
S Brad Hawkins—we're just going to make this position switch now.

WAITING THEIR TURN

QB Alex Malzone—not really in the race, it seems.
QB Dylan McCaffrey—oblig redshirt year coming up.

RB O'Maury Samuels—just too many bodies in front of him
RB Kurt Taylor—Vincent Smith-alike will likely spend year getting pass pro down

TE Nick Eubanks—Funchess 2.0
TE Zach Gentry—actually played WR for much of last year. Development will be fascinating.

C Jon Runyan Jr.—right bloodlines at least.
G Stephen Spanellis—road grader needs seasoning.
G JaRaymond Hall—only incoming OL listed at under 300.
G Phil Paea—two-way DL/OL will probably land on O.
T Nolan Ulizio—some playing time he seemed iffy in. Reportedly had mono and was too light.
TChuck Filiaga—had some Army game struggles; redshirt likely.
T Joel Honigford—redshirt, weight, etc.

3T Lawrence Marshall—now 285 and a three tech, which is one too many moves.
3T Deron Irving-Bey—raw prospect but did enroll early.
SDE Donovan Jeter—ND decommit w/ salty comments afterwards will be fan favorite
WDEReuben Jones—worker popular with teammates.
WDE Kwity Paye—seasoning necessary, but Don Brown dude.

MLB Drew Singleton—coming off ACL surgery and probably needs a year
SAM Jordan Anthony—heated VIPER competition in front of him
WLBJosh Ross—younger brother of James brings more size, fewer instincts.

CB Keith Washington—did not find PT last year, will try again.
CB Benjamin St Juste—probably needs some seasoning after playing in Canada.