1/9

Warning: Big picture, @UMichFootball #NFLDraft thread upcoming.

This table shows the total number of draft picks by school over the last five years, from 2016-2020.
2/9

This info will likely be used as a negative for UM in any way you want to spin it, as @Bry_Mac pointed out last night. High draft picks show the program has underachieved, lower picks show a team without enough top end talent, undrafted players means poor development, etc
3/9
But to figure out where you want to go, you have to know where you’ve been. In the previous five drafts from 2011-2015, I have UM ranking 31st, right between WVU and Virginia Tech
4/9
So there’s been an obvious talent and development upgrade. But a deeper look at the top programs of the 2011-2015 time frame reveals more.
5/9
The program UM always uses as a measuring stick had the 10th most picks from 2011-2015. And you can’t ignore the program that tied them for 10th in that period.
6/9
So when you compare the periods, the good news is that Michigan is significantly better in recruiting and development over the last five years!

But guess what?

So is someone else.
7/9
A dismal stretch against OSU has made it feel like they are a mountain top that Michigan can’t quite reach. In reality, it’s a moving target that has continued climbing.
8/9
Outside of obvious road issues, UM’s record against everybody not named OSU at the top of that list (with multiple matchups) under Harbaugh is .500 or better (thank you @sbus004). Wisconsin has lost 8 straight to OSU and 11 of the last 12. OSU is really good.
/end
So what’s the answer? I don’t know. But it starts with being honest about the landscape and continuing to tirelessly invest, recruit, and develop.

Some folks that have commented on this that might be interested:
@sbell021 @SpaceCoyoteBDS @Misopogon

Happy Sunday everybody!
You can follow @_RichWinters.
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