For the first time since 2018, Michigan Football didn't have a single player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft this spring. But don't expect that drought to last long. With a completely new coaching staff in place and a roster loaded with promising talent, the Wolverines are already building toward a big comeback. In fact, just last year, Michigan sent both of its starting offensive tackles off the board in the first round—proof that this program knows how to develop elite prospects.

Here are three Michigan stars who have a real shot at hearing their names called in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.

1. John Henry Daley, Defensive End
The most obvious name on this list is former Utah edge rusher John Henry Daley, who arrives in Ann Arbor with a truckload of accolades and a chip on his shoulder. Last season, he was an All-American after racking up 48 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in just 11 games. But an Achilles injury at the end of the season complicated his draft stock, so he decided to use his final year of eligibility at Michigan to prove he's still a game-wrecker in the nation's toughest conference.

At 6'4" and 255 pounds, Daley has the kind of explosiveness off the edge that gets NFL scouts buzzing. He posted a 33.6% win rate on true pass sets in 2025 and an 8.8% stop rate, showing both relentless pursuit and awareness as a run defender. He's reuniting with former defensive coordinator Jay Hill, who coached him at BYU, and will play on a deep defensive line that should keep him fresh. Daley is expected to be fully cleared by June 1, so if he returns to his 2025 form quickly, he'll build the kind of tape that screams first-round pick.

2. Jordan Marshall, Running Back
When Jordan Marshall is healthy, he's a game-changer. The former Mr. Ohio Football had a rocky start to his college career due to injuries, but ever since his breakout performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama as a true freshman in 2024, he's been on a tear. Marshall combines elite vision with the kind of burst that turns a small crease into a big gain. If he can stay on the field and build on that momentum, he has the talent to become Michigan's next first-round back—and a fan favorite in maize and blue.

3. (Additional player) — Keep an eye on the trenches
Michigan's offensive and defensive lines have been the backbone of its recent success, and the 2027 draft class should be no different. With the coaching staff's proven track record of developing NFL-ready linemen, expect at least one more Wolverine from the front seven or offensive line to emerge as a first-round contender. Whether it's a dominant tackle or a disruptive interior defender, the pipeline is full of potential.

The streak may have ended this year, but with talent like this waiting in the wings, Michigan football is already gearing up for a first-round return.