Sports Illustrated’s MMQB (Monday Morning Quarterback) section recently ranked the top 400 players in the NFL, and six former Michigan players made the cut.
The lowest former Wolverine on the list was Patriots linebacker David Harris at No. 383. The 33-year old spent his whole pro career with the Jets, but was recently signed by New England in June. Harris played at Michigan from 2002-2006.
The next player on the list happens to be another Patriot – defensive tackle Alan Branch at No. 272. Branch left Michigan after his junior season in 2006, and has spent time with the Cardinals, Bills and Seahawks, before signing with New England in 2014. The website states that “in New England's scheme, his type of dominance leads to more tackles for the linebackers and edge defenders, which is why it often goes unnoticed.”
Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan checks in at No. 251, with the write-up stating “Lewan is a nasty, mauling type who is dexterous enough in pass protection to spar one-on-one.” Lewan surprised many when he returned for his fifth-year senior season in 2013, but wound up being the 11th overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. He won Big Ten Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year in both 2012 and 2013.
Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark is next on the list at No. 151. “Clark possesses cat-like quickness off the snap, regardless if he's playing inside or outside, or if he's shooting a gap or executing a stunt. Keep him in the back of your mind – he very well could be a top-10 defensive lineman by this time next year,” the website said. Clark played at Michigan from 2011-2014, but had his career marred a bit by legal troubles during his senior season.
Cracking the top 100 is Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham at No. 98. Graham had an amazing career at Michigan from 2006-2009, compiling 29 sacks, and earning Big Ten MVP and first-team All-American honors in 2009. He was the 13th overall pick in 2010 by Philadelphia, and has spent his whole career there.
Checking in at No. 1 on the list is Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. “After the Super Bowl 51 comeback everyone seems to be in agreement: He's the greatest of all-time,” the website said. Brady, who is a five-time Super Bowl champion, played at Michigan from 1995-1999, and was taken in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft.
Check out the full list here.
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