The best case scenario is that the younger guys on the team like Jyaire Hill at CB and Brandyn Hillman at safety beat out these transfers in fall camp. Both of those guys have higher upside and if they're performing well enough to beat out these transfers who have a ton experience, that boxes very well. I think Aamir Hall was a fantastic pick up. Guys from a lower level but were All American at that level will come in with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove, knowing it's their last shot to make an impression for the NFL. In other words, you can expect hard workers with maturity. I think Walker is great insurance on the two deep at safety. My hope is that Hillman can take that next step and vie for a starting spot next to Paige. If not, QJ and Walker provide good options. I think Mangham has a ton of potential. But he needs to get in Michigan's S&C program and fill out. I think he has a chance to compete for snaps at safety this year but '25 will be when he can really shine.
Another overlooked aspect of these transfers is that it'll allow Michigan to keep Zeke Berry at nickel instead of having to move him to safety out of necessity. I think he has a chance to be a great nickel and I'd rather see him getting the bulk of his snaps there. Nobody can replace what Mike Sainristil meant to this program but Berry and McBurrows have a shot at being good nickelbacks.
I totally agree with this. Mangham and Walker should be able to compete with Quentin Johnson for the other starting safety spot so Berry can focus on nickel.
The possibilities with this defense are really interesting. We could conceivably roll out 4 D-Lineman and 7 DBs and not miss a step with the size, speed, and tackling ability of the new portal additions.
