Michigan Football: 5 bold predictions for 2017 season

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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 01: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines rushes quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. Maurice Hurst Jr. gets first round NFL Draft pick hype

Michigan’s defense needs more leaders to step up. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr. is the only proven and experience option. Hurst Jr. decided to return for his senior season. It’s an opportunity for him to lead Michigan’s defense to a Big Ten Championship and Playoff berth.

Walter Football has Hurst Jr. as one of the top 10 defensive tackles in the country for the 2018 NFL Draft class. A big 2017 would put him in even better position to be an early round draft pick. With 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks, he’s put up the numbers to prove his worth.

Hurst Jr.’s size is the only downside to an NFL team drafting him. If he continues to prove his size does not matter in terms of his performance, NFL scouts will realize. He’ll shine on a young Michigan defense.

Against teams like Wisconsin and Ohio State, Michigan faces some of the best front sevens in the country. Hurst Jr. can take advantage of that spotlight.

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