The window for participation in the 2024 NFL draft has closed, resulting in over 20 Michigan football standouts making their way to the professional league. With the departure of key players from their offense, who played pivotal roles in their flawless 15-0 season, the Wolverines face the challenge of filling vacant positions. This includes notable names such as quarterback J.J. McCarthy, All-American running back Blake Corum, leading receiver Roman Wilson, the entire starting offensive line, and others.
Consequently, the team is poised for a rebuilding phase in the upcoming season. In this context, we will delve into PFF’s end-of-season grades and snap counts, examining each position to provide insights into the potential makeup of the Wolverines’ offensive depth chart for the 2024 season.
Quarterback
Jayden Denegal – 28 snaps with a completion rate of 69.3%
Davis Warren – 19 snaps with a completion rate of 29.7%
Alex Orji – 17 snaps with a completion rate of 68.9%
Newcomer: Jadyn Davis
Michigan embarked on its 2023 offseason with a rare absence of a quarterback competition, thanks to J.J. McCarthy’s departure to the NFL after an exceptionally successful season. As the team prepares for the 2024 season, a new quarterback competition looms. Despite having the fewest snaps among Michigan’s active quarterbacks, Alex Orji emerges as the early favorite, earning fan and media support due to his consistent usage in the latter part of the Wolverines’ Championship-winning season.
It’s notable that Jayden Denegal initially seemed to be the frontrunner behind Jack Tuttle early in the season. The sophomore from Apple Valley, California, led all remaining active quarterbacks in snaps during 2023 and made appearances in up to five games for the Wolverines. With the addition of the highly talented four-star recruit Jadyn Davis in 2024, the quarterback position battle becomes the most significant uncertainty for the Michigan offense heading into the upcoming season.
Running back
Donovan Edwards – 370 snaps with a grade of 70.2%
Kalel Mullings – 88 snaps with a grade of 81.0%
Benjamin Hall – 31 snaps with a grade of 67.5%
Tavierre Dunlap – 10 snaps with a grade of 66.4%
Cole Cabana – 2 snaps with a grade of 64.1%
Newcomers: Jordan Marshall, Micah Ka’apana
In contrast to the quarterback scenario in Ann Arbor, the running back position is expected to have more clarity heading into the 2024 season. Donovan Edwards is set to be the team’s primary back at the start of the season, while Kalel Mullings is anticipated to see a substantial number of snaps. Mullings, a former linebacker, showcased his skills in the 2023 season, rushing the ball 36 times for 222 yards, averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry. Although Edwards holds a pivotal role, Mullings’ impressive 80+ overall grade at the end of the season makes him a compelling candidate for significant playing time in 2024.
Behind Edwards and Mullings, the Wolverines boast a wealth of talent at the running back position. Benjamin Hall, who accumulated 31 snaps last season, is seen as a potential candidate for the RB3 position. Additionally, Cole Cabana is expected to have an increased presence in the upcoming season. Adding to the depth, newcomers Jordan Marshall and Micah Ka’apana bring further excitement to the mix. Regardless of the final lineup, the running back group promises to be one of the most entertaining and dynamic positions to watch on the entire roster.
Wide receiver
Tyler Morris – 344 snaps with a grade of 58.7%
Semaj Morgan – 145 snaps with a grade of 82.8%
Fredrick Moore – 107 snaps with a grade of 57.7%
Karmello English – 66 snaps with a grade of 57.7%
Peyton O’Leary – 38 snaps with a grade of 67.9%
Newcomers: Channing Goodwin, I’Marion Stewart
Despite the departures of long-time starters Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, the wide receiver position is not expected to be a source of controversy in 2024. Tyler Morris emerges as the clear WR1 following a sophomore season where he accumulated 344 snaps for the Wolverines. While he received fewer targets compared to Wilson and Johnson, this can be attributed to Michigan’s offensive strategy last season, which focused on the team’s top two receivers, tight ends, and trick plays designed for Semaj Morgan—occasionally prioritizing Morgan over Morris to present opposing teams with less predictable gameplay.
Speaking of Semaj Morgan, the true freshman concluded his season with an impressive overall PFF grade of 82.8, consistently ranking among the highest-graded players on the field when given the opportunity. In addition to Morris and Morgan, Fredrick Moore is expected to have an increased role. Moore, who had 107 total snaps last season, is likely to see more action in 2024, especially with the recent transfer of Darrius Clemons making his role more prominent. Additionally, Karmello English is anticipated to contribute in the upcoming season.
The receiving corps is further bolstered by the arrival of newcomers Channing Goodwin and I’Marion Stewart, adding depth and excitement to the team’s passing game in 2024.
Tight end
Colston Loveland – 568 snaps with a grade of 75.8%
Max Bredeson – 238 snaps with a grade of 69.1%
Josh Beetham – 61 snaps with a grade of 39.9%
Marlin Klein – 37 snaps with a grade of 54.9%
Zack Marshall – 6 snaps with a grade of 48.4%
Newcomers: Brady Prieskorn, Hogan Hansen
The return of Colston Loveland for another season is a significant boost for the Michigan offense. The sophomore displayed his skills by catching 45 passes for an impressive 649 yards, providing a solid foundation for the coaching staff to build upon. The role of Max Bredeson in the upcoming season remains uncertain, but considering that a significant portion of his 238 total snaps in 2023 were during run plays, a similar utilization might be expected.
Josh Beetham could emerge as a contender for playing time behind Loveland, assuming the Wolverines do not bring in a transfer. As a senior in 2023, Beetham accumulated 61 snaps spread across eight games. Marlin Klein and Zack Marshall are also potential candidates to step up in the absence of Loveland. Additionally, there is speculation that newcomers Brady Prieskorn and Hogan Hansen could make an immediate impact in the upcoming season, adding depth and versatility to the tight end position for the Wolverines.
Offensive line
Myles Hinton – 287 snaps with a grade of 72.5%
Giovanni El-Hadi – 105 snaps with a grade of 52.0%
Greg Crippen – 98 snaps with a grade of 61.6%
Jeffrey Persi – 78 snaps with a grade of 63.3%
Andrew Gentry – 52 snaps with a grade of 56.8%
Raheem Anderson – 1 snap with a grade of 60.0%
Amir Herring – 1 snap with a grade of 60.0%
Newcomers: Josh Priebe (764 snaps with a grade of 62.0%), Andrew Sprague, Blake Frazier, Luke Hamilton, Jake Guarnera, Ben Roebuck
Despite the departure of six offensive linemen to the NFL Draft, Michigan’s offensive line is poised for a smooth transition. Myles Hinton, the team’s most experienced returning tackle, performed well during his playing time in 2023, particularly as an additional lineman in late-season games. Adding to the veteran presence on the line is Northwestern transfer Josh Priebe, who logged a substantial 764 snaps with his former team last season.
Assuming no additional transfers, the offensive line appears solid. Giovanni El-Hadi, initially considered for a guard position, gained valuable experience with over 100 snaps last season in relief of Trevor Keegan, making him well-prepared for a starting role. Greg Crippen enters his senior season with a serviceable grade of 61.6, having played 98 snaps in relief.
The offensive line is also set to benefit from the contributions of newcomers, including Josh Priebe, Andrew Sprague, Blake Frazier, Luke Hamilton, Jake Guarnera, and Ben Roebuck, adding depth and potential impact to the team’s front line.
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