10 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Texas-Michigan
By Jack Brentnall
The biggest matchup of Week 2 takes place in Ann Arbor, with the No. 3 Texas Longhorns taking on the reigning national champions and No. 10 ranked Michigan Wolverines.
Given the number of relevant NFL Draft prospects on show, I figured that this game warranted its own article in addition to our usual ‘NFL Draft Prospect Watch’.
Here are 10 draft-eligible players to keep an eye on this weekend.
Will Johnson - CB, Michigan (6-2, 202, Junior)
It’s fitting to begin this list with arguably the best player in the 2025 NFL Draft class: Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. A starter since his true freshman season, Johnson earned Freshman All-American honours in 2022 and was named a First Team All-American last year.
Johnson’s prospect profile is exceptional. His elite athleticism makes him truly versatile, with the long speed to carry receivers vertically and the short area quickness to click and close. He is comfortable playing both man and zone coverage and can smother opponents at the line in press. His ball skills are evident in his eight career interceptions.
Mason Graham - IDL, Michigan (6-3, 320, Junior)
Johnson isn’t the only Wolverine defender generating buzz. Graham was ranked as the No. 4 prospect in Dane Brugler’s initial Top 50 Big Board, making him the highest-ranked interior defensive lineman. He played a key role in Michigan’s championship run in 2023, recording 29 pressures and earning Second Team All-American honors.
It is easy to see why scouts are so enamoured with Graham. At 6’3″ and 315 lbs, he boasts impressive size combined with surprising quickness. His background as a two-time high school wrestling champion translates to the field too, where he uses quick and an innate understanding of leverage to deconstruct blocks. With this skillset, Graham has the potential to be a game-wrecker this weekend.
Kelvin Banks - OT, Texas (6-4, 320, Junior)
The last time Texas had a first round offensive tackle, George Bush was President and Pierce Brosnan was still James Bond. Banks, a former five-star recruit and Texas native, has a legitimate chance to end that drought.
The starting left tackle since his freshman season, Banks has allowed just three sacks in his first two seasons and earned All-Big 12 honours twice. He possesses the size and athleticism that teams want in an offensive tackle, and his lateral quickness makes him a valuable asset in the run game and as a lead blocker on screens.
To solidify his draft stock, Banks will need to demonstrate more control and consistency in the running game, maintaining balance and sustaining his blocks. If he can do that, he has the potential to be a first-round pick.
Isaiah Bond - WR, Texas (5-11, 180, Junior)
In what appears to be another exciting wide receiver class, Bond is a name to watch. The former Alabama wideout transferred to Texas in the offseason, reuniting with Steve Sarkisian, who was a big part of his recruitment to the Crimson Tide out of high school.
Bond’s game is built around his elite athleticism. He was a talented track athlete in high school, running a 10.48 in the 100m and a 21.05 in the 200m. This, paired with his short area quickness and smooth hips, makes him a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks to cover.
Bond had a strong start in Week 1, with 61 yards and a touchdown against Colorado State. This weekend is the true test though. Bond will face his toughest test of the season against Will Johnson. This matchup will be essential viewing for scouts up and down the country.
Quinn Ewers - QB, Texas (6-2, 210, rs-Junior)
Ewers has been on NFL Draft radars since his high school days. The top prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, he was the first quarterback to earn a perfect score from 247Sports’s composite rating since Vince Young in 2002. After spending one year as a backup at Ohio State, he transferred to Texas and is now in his third season as the Longhorns’ starter.
Ewers is a polarizing quarterback prospect, but he has nevertheless been talked up as a potential first round pick. He possesses impressive arm strength and the ability to make throws from various platforms. Ewers also plays with the confidence and swagger that all great quarterbacks possess.
There are still some big question marks though.Ewers needs to show that he can refine his mechanics and thereby improve his accuracy and ball placement. His matchup against Michigan will be a good test to see just what he can do on the biggest stage.
Colston Loveland - TE, Michigan (6-5, 245, Junior)
While this year’s draft class may not have a Brock Bowers or Kyle Pitts-level tight end prospect, Loveland is a strong candidate for a first round selection. The Wolverines tight end had an impressive 2023 season, recording 649 yards on 45 catches and earning First Team All-Big Ten honours.
Loveland possesses a combination of size, athleticism, body control, and active hands that make him a valuable asset in the passing game. He is also one of the youngest prospects in the class, turning 21 in April 2025.
Loveland’s performance in Week 1 against Fresno State, where he recorded eight catches for 87 yards and a touchdown, showcased his ability to be a difference maker as a receiver. Another outing like that against a team like Texas will help cement his status as one of the names to know in the 2025 class.
Kenneth Grant - IDL, Michigan (6-3, 339, Junior)
Whilst Mason Graham might get most of the headlines as far as Michigan’s defensive line is concerned, Grant is a disruptive presence in his own right. The true junior had a strong 2023 campaign, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honours.
At 6’3” and 339 lbs, Grant offers imposing size, but he is also a legitimate athlete. He was ranked No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s 2024 Freaks List thanks to his quick feet and explosive power.
Grant has all of the tools that teams are looking for in an interior defensive lineman. The question now is whether he can show development as a technician. Grant remains pretty raw and over-reliant on his traits at this point. Scouts will be interested to see how he fares against Texas this weekend.
Jahdae Barron - CB, Texas (5-11, 200, rs-Senior)
Barron is one of the more experienced players in this matchup. The fifth-year senior is in his third season as a starter and has over 1,600 career snaps to his name. He had a solid 2023 season, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors, and kicked off the 2024 season with a strong performance, including an interception against Colorado State.
Barron offers some intriguing versatility, having played in the slot, on the boundary, and at safety. Whilst he isn’t the biggest player on the field, he plays with great physicality and has a quick trigger and a knack for making plays. He now needs to show that he can become a more consistent tackler in the open field. Keep an eye on his matchup with Colston Loveland this weekend.
Donovan Edwards - RB, Michigan (6-1, 212, Senior)
Edwards was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school in 2021, ranked as the No. 2 running back in his class by On3. He had a standout 2022 season, rushing for 991 yards and seven touchdowns.
Many anticipated a breakout campaign for 2023 but it never came. In fact, Edwards’ production dropped off significantly last season. He also struggled in the Wolverines’ opening game of 2024, managing just 27 yards on 11 carries against Fresno State.
Despite his immense athletic gifts, Edwards needs to demonstrate improved vision and elusiveness to be a successful NFL back. This weekend’s matchup will be a good test to see if he can bounce back and show that he still has the potential to be a top-tier running back.
Jaydon Blue - RB, Texas (6-0, 200, Junior)
Texas always has talent at running back, and Blue is the name to watch this season. Initially projected to be the backup, Blue stepped into the starting role after sophomore CJ Baxter suffered a season-ending knee injury. In his first career start against Colorado State, Blue showcased his skills, logging 57 yards on 11 carries and adding another 37 yards as a receiver.
Blue’s game is built around his speed. He was a talented track athlete in high school, running a 10.7 in the 100m, and that speed translates to the football field. He is also a dynamic contributor on third downs thanks to his impressive hands and route running ability.
The question remains as to what Blue can do when given a full workload. With games like this week’s matchup against Michigan, we don’t have to wait long to find out.
JACK BRENTNALL
HEAD OF NFL DRAFT CONTENT
Previously the founder of The Jet Sweep, Jack joined The Touchdown as head of Draft Content in 2024. A Scouting Academy alumnus, Jack has been Covering the NFL Draft since 2020. Follow him on Twitter @Jack_Brentnall.