The Michigan man got his man.
After plenty of speculation heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, it only took until the third round before Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh secured the services of one of his former college players. Linebacker Junior Colson kicked off what is certainly going to be a storyline heading into the draft's final day, where familiarity can be key for the Wolverines prospects.
jim literally broke out into song pic.twitter.com/sMDgCbbJB1
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 27, 2024
After going back to school in 2015, Harbaugh once again graduated from the college ranks in 2024. The coach knows a thing or two about building programs, with his work at Michigan culminating with a national championship season that finished in January.
Harbaugh's initial NFL tour of duty didn't see any of his Stanford Cardinal follow him to the 49ers, but things appear to be different this time around.
How many players will turn in their maize and blue for powder blue and sunshine gold? The Sporting News is tracking which players follow Harbaugh to the City of Angels.
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Michigan players drafted by Chargers
- Junior Colson, LB (No. 69 overall)
- Cornelius Johnson, WR (No. 253 overall)
Colson was only the fourth Michigan player off the board and the third on Day 2. Los Angeles' has plenty of needs following an offseason of change, with holes at receiver, running back, and most notably, along the offensive line.
Harbaugh won't be able to transform the Chargers overnight, especially after years of falling short. As they work to integrate the new coach's style, drafting some of his former college players could go a long way in speeding up that transition.
That doesn't mean the Chargers will be opening a Michigan-to-LA pipeline, but there's a good chance Colson won't be the last Wolverine to pack up his things before moving to southern California.
MORE: Round 1 winners, losers
Michigan players on 2024 NFL Draft board
There is no shortage of Wolverines still left on the board, meaning Harbaugh has plenty of former players to select as the draft winds down.
Here's a look at the remaining Michigan players from SN's Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft heading into Day 3:
| Player | Position | Projected Round |
| Cornelius Johnson | WR | 5 |
| Drake Nugent | C | 5 |
| Michael Barrett | LB | 6 |
| A.J. Barner | TE | 6 |
| Trevor Keegan | OG | 6 |
| Braiden McGregor | LB | 7 |
