Michigan football didn’t set the NFL draft record for picks by a school this weekend. However, the Wolverines did set a program record with 13 players selected.
There were some surprises though. It was shocking that Michigan football only had three offensive linemen drafted, especially with the state of O-line play in the league. Nick Saban even said Michigan’s O-line was the most well-coached in college football.
I guess NFL teams didn’t pay attention. Karsen Barnhart, Trente Jones, and Drake Nugent all went undrafted. Nugent has signed with the 49ers. Jones inked a deal with the Packers, in an ideal landing spot, but Karsen Barnhart is being reunited with former Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Why the Chargers are a great fit for Karsen Barnhart
Not only does the head coach know what Barnhart can do, but he has to feel like he’s getting an extra draft pick by signing the former Wolverine as a rookie free agent.
Most NFL draft experts will tell you there’s more difference between a first-round player and a third-round player, than there is between a fourth-round pick and a rookie free agent.
It’s a legitimate chance to make an NFL roster. Guys do it all the time and most teams usually have 1-2 rookie free agents that make their way onto the 53-man roster. You also have the expanded practice squad so Barnhart landed in a good spot.
That’s also true because of how Harbaugh wants to play. You know the Michigan football legend wants to run the damn ball. He called offensive linemen “weapons” on Thursday after drafting Joe Alt and Barnhart is going to get a chance.
Playing guard in the NFL, I believe Barnhart can make the two-deep on just about any roster. He played out of position most of last season due to necessity but when he bumped inside to guard, the drop-off from Zak Zinter wasn’t as large as some expected.
That’s because Barnhart can play and it wouldn’t shock me at all if he earned a spot on the Chargers 53-man roster this season.
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