Wolverine Digest

Pro Blue: Michigan's best defensive NFL players through three weeks

These former Michigan defenders have balled out this year.
Luke Hubbard|
DE Rashan Gary, Michigan: Gary didn t have a great 2018 season with just 3.5 sacks, and he appeared to coast at times with the draft on his mind. But he s a big-time talent who could play end or tackle in Matt Patricia s defense. Michigan Vs Penn State DE Rashan Gary, Michigan: Gary didnt have a great 2018 season with just 3.5 sacks, and he appeared to coast at times with the draft on his mind. But hes a big-time talent who could play end or tackle in Matt Patricias defense.
DE Rashan Gary, Michigan: Gary didn t have a great 2018 season with just 3.5 sacks, and he appeared to coast at times with the draft on his mind. But he s a big-time talent who could play end or tackle in Matt Patricia s defense. Michigan Vs Penn State DE Rashan Gary, Michigan: Gary didnt have a great 2018 season with just 3.5 sacks, and he appeared to coast at times with the draft on his mind. But hes a big-time talent who could play end or tackle in Matt Patricias defense. | Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

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Michigan WolverinesGreen Bay PackersCincinnati BengalsArizona CardinalsCleveland BrownsDetroit Lions

The Michigan Wolverines have 44 former players in the NFL in 2025. They have some talent on offense, but where they've really excelled is producing defensive talent, specifically along the defensive line.

Today, we're going to take a look at five Michigan alumni who have been balling out this season.

DE Rashan Gary

Green Bay Packers, DE, Rashan Gary
Sep 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary (52) celebrates after a sack against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Nobody has benefited more from the Micah Parsons trade than Rashan Gary. In 2024, Gary recorded 7.5 sacks and 47 pressures in 638 pass rushing snaps. This year, he's already up to 13 pressures and 4.5 sacks (which leads the league) in three games. With all the attention offenses are paying to Parsons, it's freed Gary up on the other side, and he's benefiting greatly.

DE Aidan Hutchinson

Detroit Lions, DE, Aidan Hutchinson
Sep 22, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) reacts against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Aidan Hutchinson is back after suffering a gruesome leg injury last year, and he hasn't missed a step. Through three games, Hutchinson has already logged 16 pressures, 12 hurries and two sacks. He has been all over the opposing quarterback, so it's hard to imagine what he'll do when he's back to 100%.

DT Mason Graham

Cleveland Browns, DT, Mason Graham
Sep 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) is introduced before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

After a somewhat disappointing debut, Mason Graham has come along quite nicely for the Browns. Through three games, Graham has six pressures, five hurries, one sack and four run stops. He played an excellent game against the Packers last weekend and was a large reason the Browns were able to pull off the upset. His potential is through the roof, so I'm excited to see what he can do for the rest of the year.

DT Kris Jenkins

Bengals, DT, Kris Jenkins
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) is chased out of bounds by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. (90) during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sept. 7, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kris Jenkins, the Bengals' second-round selection a year ago, is quietly having a strong start to his sophomore season. Through three games, Jenkins has already recorded 1.5 sacks from the interior of the Bengals' defensive line and has seven run stops. He's played 26+ snaps each week, and should only see his role continue to grow.

CB Will Johnson

Arizona Cardinals, CB, Will Johnson
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Will Johnson has been picked on early in his career, but he hasn't let up. He's been targeted 14 times in two games and has given up eight receptions for just 57 yards (only eight after the catch) and has broken up four passes. He also should've had an interception in his debut, but it was called back due to a defensive penalty. Unfortunately, Johnson suffered an injury in Week 2 and didn't play last week. He's doubtful for tonight's game as well, but should be back relatively soon.

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Luke Hubbard
LUKE HUBBARD

Luke is a writer for the Baylor Bears and Michigan Wolverines On SI. He's an LSU graduate and previously covered the Tigers for two years. He also covers the New Orleans Saints and Formula 1. Luke's passion for sports and storytelling led him to become a sports writer.

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