Familiarity plays a big role in roster-building. For head coach Chargers Jim Harbaugh and some of his coaches on staff, they have a slew of players they coached at Michigan who could follow them to Los Angeles.
Here is a look at seven that could be targeted when April’s draft rolls around.
CB Mike Sainristil
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is a secondary guy, and Sainristil played a vital role for him en route to winning the National Championship.
Sainristil isn’t the biggest player, standing at 5-foot-10 and 182 pounds, but the way he plays covers up the lack of measurements. He is a quick defender who has fluid hips, good closing speed, solid instincts and is aggressive when making plays in the open field.
Sainristil’s six interceptions were the second most among college football cornerbacks in 2023.
With the Chargers, Sainristil could be the starting slot corner from Day 1.
WR Roman Wilson
If the Chargers do not take a wide receiver in the first round, Wilson could be a good option on Day 2.
Despite being smaller at 5-foot-10 and 186 pounds, Wilson plays tough for his size, as he is strong at the catch point and is a willing blocker. But the most attractive aspect of his game is his track speed to run right through coverage.
Wilson recorded 23 catches of 15-plus yards with a 14.1-yard average depth of target, according to Pro Football Focus.
DT Kris Jenkins
The interior part of the defensive line will need some retooling, with Austin Johnson and Nick Williams set to be free agents.
Jenkins is an athletic, versatile and powerful interior defender who dominates in the run game with good extension and leverage, is strong at the point of attack, possesses the ability to stack and shed, and has untapped pass rush upside.
Jenkins had 37 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks for the Wolverines this past season.
TE AJ Barner
Greg Roman’s offense utilizes a lot of multi-tight end sets, and the Chargers are thin at the position, with Gerald Everett set to be a free agent.
Expected to run the ball heavily, Barner could be an instant contributor in that department as he brings toughness and plus blocking ability to the table, while still providing receiving reliability.
According to Pro Football Focus, Barner graded out as the best blocking tight end in all of college football (81.4) this past season.
LB Junior Colson
Kenneth Murray is going to be a free agent. Eric Kendricks, who was so-so this past season, could be a cap casualty. Therefore, the Chargers need more playmakers in the middle of the defense.
Colson is a rangy and explosive linebacker whose coverage skills are high-quality NFL traits, as he has the speed to stay in phase with tight ends and running backs. He is effective in the run game, as well.
During his time at Michigan, Colson racked up 256 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions and 2.5 sacks.
G Zak Zinter
The interior part of the offensive line for the Chargers needs some shoring up, and I can’t think of a better player to help boost the run game than a player who was integral in Michigan’s rushing attack.
At 6-foot-6, Zinter is a very tall interior lineman with great strength, toughness, short-area quickness, and awareness to flash dominance in the passing and run game. He has plenty of experience, having appeared in 45 games, with 42 starts, throughout his four-year career.
Zinter missed the final three games of the 2023 season after breaking his leg in Michigan’s win over Ohio State. He was a consensus All-American in 2023 and a first-team All-Big Ten player in each of his final two seasons.
RB Blake Corum
Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley are slated to hit the free agency market. Isaiah Spiller is the only back on the roster. Corum could be a welcomed addition in Roman’s offense.
Corum was productive for the Wolverines this past season, rushing for 1,245 yards and a program-record 27 touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with a whopping 58 rushing scores.
Corum isn’t the youngest player, set to be 24 this upcoming season, and he already has plenty of mileage used. But he has the patience, vision, and quickness to be an effective back in the NFL.
