Team Blue quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) hands the ball to running back Justice Haynes (22) Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Incoming Michigan transfer expected to soar up NFL Draft boards

Originally posted on Michigan Wolverines on SI
By Jerred Johnson | Last updated May 17, 2025 1:19 PM ET

Michigan has become somewhat of a "Transfer Portal U" with head football coach Sherrone Moore and head basketball coach Dusty May finding great success within the portal. This year, Moore secured the number one running back in the portal in the form of former Alabama running back Justice Haynes. On the other side, May secured the top-rated hoops player in Yaxel Lendeborg. While Yaxel is still testing NBA waters, if he comes to Ann Arbor he could be in line for an elite season.

While Moore did not have to worry about Haynes testing the professional side of football, it does look like Haynes could be on the path to becoming a fast riser for next year's NFL Draft. Max Chadwick of PFF College recently released his top 10 NFL Draft prospects he believes could soar up the board for next year. Haynes came in third on this list, which had three total Big Ten prospects on it.

2026 NFL Draft prospects that could SOAR up draft boards next season

(Via: @CFBMaxChadwick) pic.twitter.com/TpElg5EoEZ
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 16, 2025

Even as Michigan claims they are going to pursue a more balanced attack with freshman phenom Bryce Underwood presumably under center, everyone knows they will still be run-heavy as an offense. That fact, along with his incredible speed, agility, and strength, will give Haynes plenty of tape to convince NFL scouts he should move up their boards. Even sharing carries with sophomore teammate Jordan Marshall should not impact Haynes' stats too much. In fact, the shared carries will keep him fresh for late-game runs when the defensive line begins to wear down. I believe Chadwick is spot on with this assessment and Haynes is in for a banner year in Ann Arbor.

This article first appeared on Michigan Wolverines on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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