Before the 2017 NFL Draft, Michigan sent 14 players to the NFL Scouting Combine, the most of any team in the country and an impressive haul for coach Jim Harbaugh.
The Wolverines are sending 11 players to the upcoming NFL Combine in Indianapolis, tied with Ohio State for the most by far among Big Ten teams.
For Michigan, quarterback Shea Patterson, wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, offensive linemen Mike Onwenu, Cesar Ruiz, Jon Runyan and Ben Bredeson, tight end Sean McKeon, linebackers Khaleke Hudson and Josh Uche and defensive backs Lavert Hill and Josh Metellus were extended invitations.
There is no question Michigan is pumping out players to the combine and into the NFL as the Wolverines had two of the top-12 picks in last year’s draft with linebacker Devin Bush going No. 10 overall to Pittsburgh and defensive lineman Rashan Gary No. 12 to Green Bay.
However, all those players going to the combine and the pros could also be a cause of consternation since on the field, Michigan has largely underwhelmed under Harbaugh. No conference titles. Four third-place divisional finishes or worse in five seasons. No victories over Ohio State.
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Other than Michigan and Ohio State faring well, Michigan State is sending seven players to the combine, which could also speak to the underwhelming performances for the Spartans in recent years under former coach Mark Dantonio.
Penn State and Iowa are sending five players each. Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota have four combine invitees each. Maryland has three, Purdue two and Indiana one. Rutgers, Illinois and Northwestern have no representation at the combine.
In consideration of the Big Ten at the upcoming combine, we ask Rivals National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell two things. First, should Michigan be performing better on the field considering all its top talent? Secondly, which Big Ten team is trending up in terms of producing talent for the NFL?
FARRELL'S TAKE
Yes, the Wolverines should be performing better with the talent they are producing, especially in big games and bowl games where they have been beaten badly here and there. Jim Harbaugh is recruiting very well and with that comes expectations and the fact that his program hasn't broken through in its own division isn’t good.
As for the team next up to start producing more NFL talent, I look to Penn State as James Franklin continues to reel in better players each year and many are going on to success. And Penn State has some young guys on the team that will be elite NFL players.
