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The 2024 Rose Bowl Game featuring the Michigan Wolverines and the Alabama Crimson Tide will showcase a lot of future NFL talent on both sides of the football. In fact, I can predict with near 100% confidence that every single starter playing in this matchup will be drafted in the next few draft cycles.
For the sake of today's analysis, I want to focus on the top 2024 NFL Draft prospects and their potential impact on this college football semi-final matchup at the Rose Bowl Game on January 1st (Happy New Year) in Pasadena, California.
The Impact of Michigan QB JJ McCarthy and Alabama QB Jalen Milroe
QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan:
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 196 lbs
Overall Rk: 33
Play Style/Scheme: Highly athletic quarterback with exceptional speed and arm strength. Suited for schemes leveraging his mobility and play-making abilities.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
Both Michigan and Alabama feature mobile QBs who can extend plays with their legs to keep a pass play alive, or they can take off and make a play on the run to move the chains in key moments. For Michigan, this game will ultimately be decided by JJ McCarthy and his ability to extend a play, allowing his receivers more time to get separation versus this elite Alabama secondary.
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama:
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 220 lbs
Overall Rk: NR
Play Style/Scheme: Dual-threat quarterback with rhythmical footwork and explosive speed. Effective in RPO plays and designed runs.
Draft Grade: Low-Level Starter Potential
As for Alabama, Jalen Milroe will be counted on to do much of the same, but the difference between the two players is that Milroe is built like a tank that can withstand more punishment throughout a 60-minute game as a designed runner than JJ McCarthy. Milroe's impact as a runner could be the difference in this game, but do not overlook his ability to drive the ball vertically. He is an excellent deep-ball thrower and a player who could elevate his 2024 NFL Draft stock massively against a very good Michigan defense loaded with NFL talent.
The Battle in the Trenches Will Decide the Winner of the Rose Bowl Game
OT J.C. Latham, Alabama:
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 326 lbs
Overall Rk: 8
Play Style/Scheme: Power-based approach with unmatched athleticism and mobility. Versatile for any scheme, ideal in power-running offense. Comparable to Tyron Smith, David Bakhtiari, and Trent Williams.
Draft Grade: Near Elite
The Alabama offensive line, featuring one of the top players on our 2024 NFL Draft board at the right tackle position (JC Latham), has improved throughout the 2023 college football season. They excelled at run blocking but have had issues in pass protection, particularly in the SEC championship game against the Georgia defense.
IDL Kris Jenkins, Michigan:
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 305 lbs
Overall Rk: 55
Play Style/Scheme: Robust presence on the defensive line, thriving in run-stopping scenarios. Valuable in 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
The Michigan defensive line has two future NFL players on the interior in Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. We project both to be drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. As for the 2024 NFL Draft, Kris Jenkins is the featured leader of the Michigan defensive line. Jenkins has first-round potential; I graded him to be a day-two pick. The Michigan defensive line rotates 9-10 players across the entire front, and that rotation will be pivotal in a game I believe Alabama will try to lean on the run game.
The Alabama Defensive Line Could Dictate the Outcome of This Game
ED Dallas Turner, Alabama:
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 240 lbs
Overall Rk: 14
Play Style/Scheme: Versatile edge rusher thriving in 4-3 and 3-4 defenses. Draws parallels to Nolan Smith and Haason Reddick.
Draft Grade: High-End Starter Potential
As mentioned above regarding the Michigan defensive line vs. the Alabama offensive line, we have a similar scenario. The Alabama defensive line boasts one top 15 edge rusher in Dallas Turner and another player (Chris Braswell) that we believe will go in round two or three but could elevate his stock in the college football playoffs.
The Michigan offensive line will be without its best interior blocker, Zak Zinter, who was lost to a season-ending injury against Ohio State. Michigan has a lot of experience on the offense, and they rotated 7 or 8 players this season, but none are at the level of Zak Zinter. They will need to punch well above their weight to defend the edge of their defense against Alabama.
The Run Game Will Be Pivotal for Michigan to Have Success
RB Blake Corum, Michigan:
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 212 lbs
Overall Rk: 82
Play Style/Scheme: Workhorse back, proficient in zone and power run schemes. Combines quick feet, vision, and agility.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
If Michigan cannot run the football, they will struggle mightily on offense, which will ultimately lead to them potentially losing this game more decisively. With that said, as mentioned above, it will come down to the legs of JJ McCarthy, opening up opportunities for Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards to make plays. Using zone-read to keep the Alabama defense honest can open up inside running lanes for Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards.
RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan:
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 204 lbs
Overall Rk: 83
Play Style/Scheme: Versatile, complements zone-blocking schemes. Crucial asset in running and passing game.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
On the flip side, it will be vital for Michigan to use Donovan Edwards in the passing game. Finding ways to isolate him with a LB could open up big play opportunities not only for Edwards, but the potential he draws one of Alabama's elite safeties in coverage could open up opportunities for the Michigan TEs AJ Barner and Colston Loveland.
The Alabama Secondary Is an Elite Unit
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama:
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 195 lbs
Overall Rk: 13
Play Style/Scheme: Excellent zone coverage awareness, skilled in bump and run, versatile in various NFL schemes.
Draft Grade: High-End Starter Potential
The Alabama secondary will be a problem for the Michigan receivers on the outside. Led by two projected first-rounders, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, the Michigan WRs will have to work harder to get separation.
S Malachi Moore, Alabama:
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 182 lbs
Overall Rk: 34
Play Style/Scheme: Versatile safety, agile and effective in pass coverage. Best fit in schemes valuing versatility in the secondary.
Draft Grade: High-End Starter Potential
In addition, the safeties for Alabama are both elite-level players led by Malachi Moore and a freshman in Caleb Downs.
Current List of 2024 NFL Draft Eligible Player Grades
Below is a complete list of players for whom we currently have NFL Draft grades ahead of the Rose Bowl Game between Michigan and Alabama. Both teams are deep and talented. Based on the overall talent evaluation, a handful of plays in key moments will decide this game, leading to a one-score game.
Alabama Crimson Tide 2024 NFL Draft Eligible Players
OT J.C. Latham, Alabama
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 326 lbs
Overall Rk: 8
Play Style/Scheme: Power-based approach with unmatched athleticism and mobility. Versatile for any scheme, ideal in power-running offense. Comparable to Tyron Smith, David Bakhtiari, and Trent Williams.
Draft Grade: Near Elite
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 195 lbs
Overall Rk: 13
Play Style/Scheme: Excellent zone coverage awareness, skilled in bump and run, versatile in various NFL schemes.
Draft Grade: High-End Starter Potential
ED Dallas Turner, Alabama
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 240 lbs
Overall Rk: 14
Play Style/Scheme: Versatile edge rusher thriving in 4-3 and 3-4 defenses. Draws parallels to Nolan Smith and Haason Reddick.
Draft Grade: High-End Starter Potential
CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 196 lbs
Overall Rk: 19
Play Style/Scheme: Physical in press-man coverage, effective against running plays and screens. Aggressive style but requires refinement in coverage technique.
Draft Grade: High-End Starter Potential
S Malachi Moore, Alabama
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 182 lbs
Overall Rk: 34
Play Style/Scheme: Versatile safety, agile and effective in pass coverage. Best fit in schemes valuing versatility in the secondary.
Draft Grade: High-End Starter Potential
ED Chris Braswell, Alabama
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 255 lbs
Overall Rk: 65
Play Style/Scheme: Dynamic edge rusher, excels in explosiveness and agility. Versatile in 3-4 and 4-3 alignments.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 230 lbs
Overall Rk: 73
Play Style/Scheme: Dynamic, strong in run-stopping and explosiveness. Suited for 3-4 defensive schemes.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 220 lbs
Overall Rk: NR
Play Style/Scheme: Dual-threat quarterback with rhythmical footwork and explosive speed. Effective in RPO plays and designed runs.
Draft Grade: Low-Level Starter Potential
WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 200 lbs
Overall Rk: NR
Play Style/Scheme: Blend of speed and technical skill, versatile for various offensive schemes. Excels in spread and vertical passing attacks.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
RB Jase McClellan, Alabama
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 212 lbs
Overall Rk: NR
Play Style/Scheme: Dynamic and powerful, effective in zone and power-run systems. Needs improvement in pass protection.
Draft Grade: Low-Level Starter Potential
Michigan Wolverines 2024 NFL Draft Eligible Players
QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 196 lbs
Overall Rk: 33
Play Style/Scheme: Highly athletic quarterback with exceptional speed and arm strength. Suited for schemes leveraging his mobility and play-making abilities.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180 lbs
Overall Rk: 39
Play Style/Scheme: Versatile cornerback, adept in nickel and press coverage, effective against slot receivers.
Draft Grade: High-End Starter Potential
WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 192 lbs
Overall Rk: 42
Play Style/Scheme: Vertical threat capability, potential fit in offensive schemes with a vertical passing focus.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
IDL Kris Jenkins, Michigan
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 305 lbs
Overall Rk: 55
Play Style/Scheme: Robust presence on defensive line, thriving in run-stopping scenarios. Valuable in 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
IOL Zak Zinter, Michigan
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 334 lbs
Overall Rk: 70
Play Style/Scheme: Robust and aggressive style, especially in run game. Suited for zone-heavy schemes.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
LB Michael Barrett, Michigan
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 239 lbs
Overall Rk: 76
Play Style/Scheme: Versatile linebacker, effective in man coverage and at the line of scrimmage. Best fit in 4-3 or 4-2-5 defenses.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
S Rod Moore, Michigan
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 198 lbs
Overall Rk: 79
Play Style/Scheme: Skilled in diagnosing plays, ideal for heavy zone coverage schemes. Comparable to Earl Thomas and Adrian Amos.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
LB Junior Colson, Michigan
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 247 lbs
Overall Rk: 80
Play Style/Scheme: Versatile linebacker, effective in run defense and zone coverage. Suited for 4-3 defensive schemes.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
RB Blake Corum, Michigan
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 212 lbs
Overall Rk: 82
Play Style/Scheme: Workhorse back, proficient in zone and power run schemes. Combines quick feet, vision, and agility.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 204 lbs
Overall Rk: 83
Play Style/Scheme: Versatile, complements zone-blocking schemes. Crucial asset in running and passing game.
Draft Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential
TE AJ Barner, Michigan
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 251 lbs
Overall Rk: NR
Play Style/Scheme: Traditional tight end with strong blocking foundation and reliable receiving skills. Fits well in pro-style offenses.
Draft Grade: Low-Level Starter Potential
WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 211 lbs
Overall Rk: NR
Play Style/Scheme: Well-rounded receiver, excels in deep passing game. Fits in West Coast or Air Coryell systems.
Draft Grade: Low-Level Starter Potential
Alabama Draft Overview:
Draft Grade:
Near Elite: 1 player
High-End Starter Potential: 4 players
Mid-Level Starter Potential: 4 players
Low-Level Starter Potential: 2 players
Position:
Offensive Tackle (OT): 1 player
Cornerback (CB): 2 players
Edge Defender (ED): 2 players
Safety (S): 1 player
Linebacker (LB): 1 player
Quarterback (QB): 1 player
Wide Receiver (WR): 1 player
Running Back (RB): 1 player
Michigan Draft Overview:
Draft Grade:
High-End Starter Potential: 2 players
Mid-Level Starter Potential: 7 players
Low-Level Starter Potential: 2 players
Position:
Quarterback (QB): 1 player
Cornerback (CB): 1 player
Wide Receiver (WR): 2 players
Interior Defensive Line (IDL): 1 player
Interior Offensive Line (IOL): 1 player
Linebacker (LB): 2 players
Safety (S): 1 player
Running Back (RB): 2 players
Tight End (TE): 1 player