The Michigan Wolverines took a step back in 2024 after their national championship run in 2023. The Wolverines finished with their worst record, 8-5, since 2017 after the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh.
However, Michigan still had tons of talent on the roster from its 2023 perfect season.
The Wolverines had seven players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft and three more signed as undrafted free agents. Let's take a look at how they performed in their NFL debuts this past weekend.
Michigan's 2025 NFL Draft Picks
The Wolverines had numerous high draft picks who made their NFL debuts this past weekend, and had some under-the-radar guys made an impact as well.
Will Johnson
Johnson was drafted in the second-round round by the Arizona Cardinals, and was believed to be a first-round talent with injury concern. The former Wolverines' cornerback flashed that talent on Sunday.
Will Johnson among CBs on Sunday:
— PFF (@PFF) September 8, 2025
🔒 90.3 coverage grade (2nd)
🔒 3 forced incompletions (2nd) pic.twitter.com/TcL3YmmYaW
Johnson put on a show in his NFL debut, earning a 90.3 grade, per PFF. He forced three incompletions and allowed just four catches for 32 yards on seven targets. Johnson also had an interception called back.
The Michigan product collected nine interception and 10 passes defended throughout his three years as a Wolverine, and got his NFL career off to an impressive start on Sunday.
Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Colston Loveland
Graham was drafted fifth overall by the Carolina Panthers and produced a solid NFL debut. The former Wolverine didn't jump off the screen, but he collected three tackles and earned a 66.7 grade, per PFF.
Mason Graham. Dawg. He had a good first game, especially in the 2nd half. Regularly took on 2 blockers, very disruptive.
— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) September 9, 2025
Here's 3 good plays from the 2nd half: pic.twitter.com/ghsjRTaw9q
The Miami Dolphins took Grant seven picks later in the first round, and he impressed coaches throughout the preseason. The Michigan defensive lineman played 44 defensive snaps and seven special teams snaps, and collected four tackles in his NFL debut.
Loveland was drafted 10th overall by the Chicago Bears, but saw a rather low usage in his NFL debut on Monday night. The former Wolverine tight end played 56 percent of the offensive snaps, ran 19 routes and earned just two targets.
Bears Week 1 TE Usage
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 9, 2025
- Cole Kmet: 91% snaps, 25 routes, 4 targets
- Colston Loveland: 56% snaps, 19 routes, 2 targets
However, Loveland did reel in both targets for 12 yards. But, Bears' fans expected a little more usage out of their 10th overall pick. His usage was well behind Bears' starting tight end Cole Kmet.
Josaiah Stewart, Kalel Mullings, William Wagner
Stewart was drafted in the third round by the Los Angeles Rams, and caught coaches attention throughout training camp and the preseason. The Michigan edge rusher played 15 defensive snaps and two special teams snaps in his NFL debut.
Josaiah Stewart is going to be a problem for a LONG time in the NFL.
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) August 10, 2025
Pure QB killer. pic.twitter.com/FScez50Hwq
However, expect Stewart to develop a larger role throughout the season if he continues to practice well.
Mullings was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round, and also had a strong offseason. The Michigan running back didn't get any offensive snaps in his NFL debut, but he did get three snaps in special teams.
If you know, you know….
— Rubio Long Snapping® (@TheChrisRubio) September 8, 2025
Shoutout to TOP 12 Rubio Long Snapper William Wagner on his first official NFL game!#RubioFamily | #ToeTheLine pic.twitter.com/U9dQmEUwVw
Wagner went undrafted and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only did Wagner make the 53-man roster, but he won the Bengals' starting long snapper job.
Myles Hinton, Makari Paige, Donovan Edwards
Hinton was drafted in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Eagles and impressed throughout camp and preseason. However, the former Wolverine offensive lineman dealt with an injury and was inactive for the Eagles' opener.
Paige and Edwards both went undrafted and signed with the New York Giants and New York Jets, respectively. Both players were cut after strong offseasons, but Edwards then signed with the Washington Commanders.