Michigan in the NFL: How Are Former Wolverines Performing in the Preseason?

The NFL preseason is two weeks in, and the Michigan Wolverines are well represented this August. While the college team gets ready to play its first game in a week, their former stars are trying to make their way into the starting lineup, or clawing for a spot on the roster.

Some guys, notably their edge rushing group from a season ago are really starting to pop this preseason.

Here is a look at the top performers from the summer.

Derrick Moore

Derrick Moore looked like he was going to challenge Aidan Hutchinson’s single-season sack record a year ago before ending the season with a whimper.

Derrick Moore welcome to the NFL!

NFL Preseason on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qxKEbxXrdA
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) August 22, 2026

He’s off to a roaring start to his NFL career, which sounds like a terrible pun because it is. The Detroit Lions grabbed Moore in the second round of April’s draft to be the running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. Preseason football only means so much, but Moore has a sack and a forced fumble in his two appearances, and looks like someone who should be able to make a contribution early in his NFL career.

It should be fun for Lions fans who are also Wolverines fans to track two of their favorite Wolverines as teammates.

Jaishawn Barham

Moore’s former running mate was a man that Wink Martindale called the most violent player on their roster in 2025. Barham was a late riser during the draft process, thanks to his positional versatility.

Barham transferred to Michigan from Maryland as a linebacker, but moved to the edge full time during his final season in 2025.

.@dallascowboys @UMichFootball @JaishawnBarham Dallas is looking for some Dawgs! JB looks like an Attack Dogg. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/0pjLy1uTiJ
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 23, 2026

Barham’s versatility is on display in Dallas, where the Cowboys are moving him all over the formation to help him make an impact. He has four solo tackles this preseason, and could end up contributing in Dallas’ defense in a multitude of ways.

Marlin Klein

Of all the players who had to be disappointed with the 2025 season, Marlin Klein has to be at the top of the list. After the first game of the regular season, he looked like he was going to be a capable replacement for Colston Loveland in Michigan’s offense with Bryce Underwood.

Instead, Klein battled injuries throughout the year, and never looked fully healthy until the season was essentially over.

Still, Klein was a talented prospect, and was selected in the second round by the Houston Texans. Against the Las Vegas Raiders, he had three catches on four targets for 31 yards. With his draft status, and the lack of a real established second tight end in Houston, Klein should have a chance to get some snaps alongside Dalton Schultz.

Rayshaun Benny

Rayshaun Benny landed with a familiar face this offseason as a seventh round pick. Benny was selected by the Baltimore Ravens, who just hired Jesse Minter during the offseason. Minter, of course, was Benny’s defensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023 when Michigan made back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff. That included a national championship in 2023.

Through two preseason games, Benny has one solo tackle, and recorded his first sack in Baltimore’s 13-3 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Not to worry, Benny’s sack was not Michigan on Michigan crime as JJ McCarthy had already exited the game, which means Benny took down Carson Wentz.

Jimmy Rolder

The Detroit Lions double dipped at Michigan during April’s draft, and hoped that Jimmy Rolder could slot in as a potential contributor both on defense and special teams this year.

Unfortunately, Rolder suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him sidelined until at least the start of the regular season.

Max Bredeson

Michigan fans may be disappointed that they won’t be watching former quarterback JJ McCarthy this fall, but they will still find a former Michigan captain on the roster in fullback Max Bredeson.

Bredeson is playing a bit of a dormant position in the NFL, which makes his usage rate something to watch during his time in the pros. In Minnesota, however, he looks to be the primary fullback, replacing fan-favorite CJ Ham. He’ll be the primary blocking back in Kevin O’Connell’s offense in front of Aaron Jones.

Donovan McCulley

McCulley was one of Michigan’s receivers last year, hoping to have a big season to boost his draft stock. Instead, he ended up in Miami as an undrafted free agent. He plays in a position group that is barren of talent, which gives him a chance to make a run at a spot on the practice squad.

Through two games, however, McCulley has not caught a pass. He’ll likely need at least one year of development.

With three full weeks of fall camp in the books, here's how #Michigan's starting defense might look when they trot out there against WMU.

STORY: https://t.co/zVOAGiLhlQ pic.twitter.com/g8c5EKW3n7
— Trent Knoop (@TrentKnoop) August 24, 2026

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