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2017 NFL Draft: 5 prospects who stood out in Week 4

By Tyler Brooke

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Nick Patti (2) pressured by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Mike McCray (9) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Nick Patti (2) pressured by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Mike McCray (9) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Michigan Wolverines defense has a number of NFL-caliber players, including guys like Jabrill Peppers and Jourdan Lewis. While both of those guys have first-round potential, another prospect who is starting to get some attention is linebacker Mike McCray.

McCray probably isn’t going to be a guy drafted on Day 1, especially since this is his first year as a full-time starter. However, the production has been there since Week 1 for McCray, with the Wolverines linebacker picking up 4.5 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three passes defended through the first four weeks of the season.

Saturday’s game against Penn State was another stand-out performance for McCray. The senior was dominant in pass coverage according to Pro Football Focus, grabbing an interception and posting an opposing passer rating of 22.9 on passes thrown his way.

It’s only four games, but if McCray can continue to make big plays for the Wolverines while showcasing his ability to pressure the quarterback or drop back in coverage, he should hear his name called at some point in the upcoming NFL draft.

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