Q: Do we still think we will lose some of our wide receivers to the NFL this year? Statistically, I don’t see any of them having the season to make them high draft picks. Would love to have them all back next year. (@bisett14)
A: I’d be surprised it all three of Michigan’s older receivers (Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins, Tarik Black) all return in 2020. ESPN’s Todd McShay had Peoples-Jones No. 26 in his NFL draft rankings last month, making him a possible first-round pick, while Collins’ size and athleticism could make him a Day 2 selection. Black is an interesting case because of his injury-riddled first two seasons. There’s a good chance NFL teams might want to see a second healthy season out of him.
When it comes to drafting college players, stats are not the end all, be all. Yes, they make a difference, especially at the skill positions, but NFL teams are looking at more than just numbers. And all three have the size, athleticism and hands necessary to play at the NFL. They’ll all get a shot. Now it’s on them to weigh where they might be drafted and whether they could improve their draft stock by returning for one more season.