The NFL Draft is exactly nine weeks away, and as is usually the case, there will be some Michigan Wolverines hearing their names called in the first round.

But just because you are selected in the first round doesn’t guarantee success. Sometimes, guys are taken by teams that aren’t the best fit for their skillset, while other teams are just a disaster internally and have issues off the field that block a player from being successful.

Here are the best fits for Michigan’s expected first round picks.

DT Mason Graham – Jacksonville Jaguars

Over his three-year career at Michigan, Graham established himself as one of the most dominant players in college football. Graham was a two-time All-American and a two-time All-Big Ten selection. His production was dominant, finishing with 107 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

As a best fit, the Jacksonville Jaguars make a lot of sense. Firstly, they are picking fifth in the draft, which is in the range of where Graham is expected to be taken. They took Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson last year, but general manager Trent Baalke was relieved of his duties a few weeks ago, allowing whoever takes over to step in and start fresh.

Graham would drastically improve Jacksonville’s defensive line. Pairing him with Smith inside would provide the Jaguars a young and dynamic defensive interior, while veteran Arik Armstead can serve as a mentor to help Graham reach his full potential.

CB Will Johnson – Las Vegas Raiders

In the two-and-a-half seasons Johnson played for Michigan, he was the undisputed No. 1 cornerback, shutting down former first-round wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze, while setting the record for most pick-sixes (3) in Michigan history.

Johnson can be taken as early as No. 3 and as late as the end of the first round, but Las Vegas at No. 13 could be a good spot for Johnson if he falls past the Jaguars, New York Jets and Chicago Bears. The two most glaring holes on the roster as of now are quarterback and cornerback. While No. 13 may be too late to grab a quality quarterback, taking a cornerback in that spot would be perfect.

If the Raiders do not want the worst cornerback room in football, they will draft Johnson at No. 13 if he’s available.

TE Colston Loveland – Los Angeles Chargers

Loveland has been a household name the last three seasons, hauling in 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns while being the team’s leading receiver in 2024. He is a pure Y-tight end, bringing plenty of experience along the line of scrimmage in the run game while marrying that with his innate ability to get open in space.

It may be too perfect of a fit, but Jim Harbaugh needs a tight end to help his offense get to the next level. The Chargers already have a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, a solid run game and a few weapons at wideout. However, their starting tight end is Will Dissly, who put up just 481 yards and two touchdowns this past season.

It may be a stressful night for Chargers fans who want Loveland, as he must get past the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos. If he gets to No. 22, there is a strong chance Harbaugh and Loveland are paired up once again.

DT Kenneth Grant – Miami Dolphins

Just like Graham, Grant was a beast in Ann Arbor, racking up 61 tackles and 6.5 sacks in two seasons as a significant contributor. He is more of a true nose tackle, but he possesses the rare ability to create a dominant pass rush that is hard to find with players his size.

Grant is seen as a late-first round pick, with some believing he could even fall to the second round. However, as we have seen in the past with 330+ pound freaks, a strong NFL Combine can dramatically boost their draft stock.

While it is difficult to tell where Grant could go at the moment, his best fit is with Miami, which has multiple impending free agents on the defensive line, including defensive tackles Benito Jones and Da’Shawn Hand. In addition, veteran Calais Campbell may retire. Even if Campbell returns, Grant could man the middle of the defensive front. His versatility and pass rush skills would help immensely.

The No. 13 pick may be a little high, but a need is a need.