ANN ARBOR -- In terms of the current NFL Draft, Michigan most likely has three prospects who will be waiting to hear their names called later this month.

Most analysts agree that former Michigan center Graham Glasgow and former defensive lineman Willie Henry will be draft picks. Some believe former quarterback Jake Rudock has a shot as well.

But moving into the 2017 draft, the number of Wolverines going off the board to NFL teams could be considerably higher.

Speaking with reporters via a teleconference Tuesday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. explained how the talent level Jim Harbaugh's currently working with for the 2016 season -- and bringing in during the recruiting period -- is definitely on the rise.

"There's no question (they) have athletes and he has talent coming in with his recruiting classes," Kiper explained. "There's no question. What Jim's doing there, it's going to pressure on Ohio State -- who just lost (a lot) of players to the NFL."

Michigan's 2016 draft class could've been deeper, of course.

All-American tight end Jake Butt and All-American corner Jourdan Lewis both opted to return to Michigan for their senior seasons. Both would've almost certainly been locks to be drafted at some point -- perhaps sooner than later -- in this year's draft. Defensive lineman Chris Wormley also opted to return to school and All-American safety/corner/LB Jabrill Peppers was not eligible for the draft in 2016. He will be, though, in 2017.

Michigan hasn't had more than three players selected in a single NFL Draft since 2008.

That will almost certainly change next year.

Asked specifically about Michigan's 2017 class Tuesday, Kiper first singled out Lewis -- a player he described as the potential No. 2 corner nationally entering next year's draft.

"If he had come (this year) out he'd have certainly been one of the top corners," Kiper explained. "Next year's draft, if you look at the top five right now and you look at a corner you'd have to put (Lewis) in there. ... So if you look at who the second-best corner (in the 2017 draft) could be, it could be Lewis, behind Adoree Jackson (at USC)."

Butt, Lewis and Wormley would appear to be locks for next season -- so long as nothing drastic happens next year. Peppers could, of course, return to school for a fourth year. But if he declares for the draft, the prevailing thought is that his athleticism, football IQ and versatility could slot him as a first-round pick.

Beyond that, players like Taco Charlton, Jehu Chesson, Amara Darboh and Ryan Glasgow (possibly more) would all seemingly have a case based on measurables and production.

Nothing's for certain, of course. But scouts and analysts have taken notice at Michigan's current load of pro-possible talent that'll take the field for the Wolverines this fall.

"(Harbaugh's impact) has been tremendous, there's a tremendous difference between what (Michigan) was and what they are," Kiper added. "You talk about national credibility with what he's done already in terms of the winning that went on there, they've got some studs coming in with this recruiting class.

"There's no question. It'll be Jim Harbaugh and Urban Meyer going at each other every year ... You knew when he took over he was going to win and he's well on his way."

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