There will be 32 first-round picks when the three-day NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night, and four of them could be Michigan Wolverines.

That would be a program record, topping the previous best of three first-round picks in 1995 and 2001. Most current mock drafts project three Michigan selections in the first round, but a fourth could sneak in.

“It says a lot, for sure,” tight end Colston Loveland, a projected first-rounder, said of the talent coming out of Michigan. “Michigan’s got tremendous athletes, smart athletes, and it shows. It would be super cool if we all went in the first round, something that’s never been done at Michigan. All the dudes in the draft for Michigan, they work hard, they do everything the right way, and I’m excited for everyone to get an opportunity.”

Defensive tackle Mason Graham is expected to be the first of the Wolverines to be selected, likely somewhere in the top 10. Loveland, the Wolverines’ leading receiver last season, and cornerback Will Johnson, who set a program record with three career pick-sixes, are also anticipated to be first-round selections.

The wild card is big, agile defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. Some analysts have said he could be a late first-round selection, while others said he more likely will be taken in the second round.

“Throw that Ohio State game on, the last game they played here, the last game they ever wore their jersey here, and tell me what you think, because they absolutely dominated,” Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito said regarding what he told NFL teams about Graham and Grant. “They dominated a great team, and they dominated in a fashion that doesn’t happen for D-tackles.

“Whoever gets those guys are going to have special talents, and they’re going to be really excited about them.”

Graham said regardless of whether Michigan sets a program record in the first round of the draft, the caliber of the group has been acknowledged.

“A lot of the guys I came in with in the same class,” Graham said. “We all kind of see each other’s growth the past three, four years, so it’s been really cool to see these other guys getting the recognition they deserve.”

• Mason Graham, DT: Esposito said Graham has “one of the best football IQs” he’s been around, and that combined with Graham’s leverage — his wrestling background is often credited — and block destruction make him a coveted pick. Projected draft position: Round 1

• Colston Loveland, TE: Loveland and Penn State’s Tyler Warren are the top two rated tight ends in the draft. Loveland is noted by analysts for his quickness and ability for big plays. He was Michigan’s leading receiver despite dealing with a shoulder issue that required postseason surgery. Projected draft position: Round 1

• Will Johnson, CB: There has been considerable conversation about Johnson, since he didn’t work out at the NFL Combine because of a hamstring issue coming off turf toe that knocked him out of the second half of last season. He also didn’t run the 40-yard dash at Pro Day. He has size and length and analysts like Johnson’s instincts. Projected draft position: Round 1

• Kenneth Grant, DT: Grant, called a “freak” athlete during his Michigan career, has been described by draft analysts as having tremendous upside. He’s a strong run defender but needs to polish his pass rushing. Grant is huge, quick and plays with great effort. Projected draft position: Rounds 1-2

• Josaiah Stewart, edge: He was dubbed the “Tasmanian Devil” because of his never-quit play. Stewart has a strong first step. His speed makes up for his lack of size, since he’s considered smaller for the position at 6-foot-1, and lacks length. He led Michigan with 13 tackles for loss, including 8½ sacks, in 2024. Projected draft position: Rounds 2-3

• Kalel Mullings, RB: The converted linebacker proved his versatility last season. Mullings can run, catch, block and can even be valuable on special teams. Mullings rushed for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and exhibited his toughness by getting yards after first contact. He was critical in Michigan’s wins over USC and Ohio State last season. Projected draft position: Rounds 4-5

• Myles Hinton, OL: Hinton has size (6-7, 323 pounds), good footwork and a strong football IQ, not to mention an NFL pedigree considering his father, Chris, played tackle for 13 seasons in the league. He was consistent at left tackle last season during a down year for the offensive line at Michigan. Projected draft position: Rounds 5-7

• Donovan Edwards, RB: Edwards ran a 4.44 40-yard dash at the combine and during his career showed bursts of explosiveness. Against Ohio State in 2022, he had 216 yards and two long touchdowns. In the 2023 national title game, he had 104 yards and two touchdowns on six carries. He had 10 catches for 170 yards against Maryland in 2021 and being a pass catcher could be his NFL ticket. Projected draft position: Round 7 or UDFA

• Makari Paige, DB: Paige was a voted a team captain last season. He played in 53 career games with 32 starts and last season had two interceptions and 45 tackles. He mostly played safety but during the 2024 season played some at nickel to shore up the defense because of injury. Projected draft position: Round 7 or UDFA

• Josh Priebe, OL: Priebe began his career at Northwestern, where he was a captain and made nearly 30 starts, before he played his final year at Michigan. He’s a tough player but his footwork needs work. Priebe was not invited to the combine. Projected draft position: UDFA