Mayfield, Collins, Thomas Selected in Third Round of NFL Draft
4/30/2021 9:51:00 PM | Football
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A pair of University of Michigan offensive performers – lineman Jalen Mayfield and receiver Nico Collins -- and defensive back Ambry Thomas were chosen during the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft on Friday (April 30).
Mayfield is the second-highest drafted offensive linemen for the Wolverines under head coach Jim Harbaugh with his selection by the Atlanta Falcons. Mayfield was the 68th overall pick of the draft and the fourth selection in the third round. Center Cesar Ruiz was the highest-drafted offensive lineman under Harbaugh when he was chosen with the 24th overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2020.
Mayfield declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season. A three-year letterman and two-year starter at right tackle, Mayfield played in 18 career games in the maize and blue. He started 15 contests at right tackle, 13 games in 2019 and two contests in 2020. Mayfield's 2020 season was cut short by an injury sustained during the Michigan State game. In 2019, he earned All-Big Ten honorable mention after starting all 13 contests. Mayfield was a backup at left tackle in three games during the 2018 season.
Collins was selected with the 26th pick of the third round by the Houston Texans. He was the 89th overall selection of the draft. He becomes the third player in school history drafted by the Texans.
Collins opted out of his senior season and declared for the NFL Draft during the 2020 pandemic-shortened year. He was a two-year starter at receiver, collecting 78 receptions for 1,388 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Collins has 22 receptions of 20-plus yards during his career, including seven TDs, and caught a pass in each of his final 26 contests. He caught 38 passes for 632 yards and six TDs as a sophomore in 2018 and followed up with 37 catches for 729 yards and seven TDs as a junior. Collins earned All-Big Ten honorable mention both seasons and was named the team's 2019 Offensive Player of the Year.
The San Francisco 49ers chose Thomas with one of the compensatory picks in the third round. Thomas was the 102nd overall selection in the draft and the 39th pick in the third round. Thomas joins his former Michigan teammate Maurice Hurst, who recently signed with the 49ers as a free agent.
Thomas opted out of his senior season and declared for the NFL Draft during the 2020 pandemic-shortened year. He played in 39 career games and started 13 contests at cornerback in 2019. Thomas recorded 54 career tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, eight pass breakups and five fumble recoveries. He had a breakout season as a starter in 2019, amassing 38 tackles, three TFLs, three interceptions, seven PBUs and two fumble recoveries. In the return game, Thomas had 39 kickoff returns for 808 yards (20.7 avg.) and a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at Notre Dame in 2018.
The 2021 NFL Draft concludes with rounds four through seven on Saturday (May 1). Television coverage will start at noon on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.
Notes
• Jalen Mayfield became the first Michigan player drafted by the Falcons since Mike Kenn was selected 13th overall by Atlanta in 1978.
• Mayfield is the seventh offensive linemen drafted during Harbaugh's tenure, joining Graham Glasgow (95th pick in 2016, Detroit Lions), Mason Cole (97th pick in 2018, Arizona Cardinals), Cesar Ruiz (24th pick in 2020, New Orleans Saints), Ben Bredeson (143rd pick in 2020, Baltimore Ravens), Mike Onwenu (182nd pick in 2020, New England Patriots) and Jon Runyan (192nd pick in 2020, Green Bay Packers).
• Nico Collins is the highest-drafted wide receiver under Harbaugh.
• He is fourth receiver selected in the draft during Harbaugh's tenure, joining Amara Darboh (106th pick in 2017, Seattle Seahawks), Jehu Chesson (139th pick in 2017, Kansas City Chiefs and Donovan Peoples-Jones (187th pick in 2020, Cleveland Browns).
• Ambry Thomas is the 16th Wolverine drafted by the 49ers and the first player chosen since offensive lineman David Baas was a second round pick in 2005.
• Thomas is the seventh Michigan defensive back selected in the last five NFL drafts.
Michigan Players Selected in the 2021 NFL Draft (Rounds 1-3)
| Name | Pos. | Rd. | Pick | Team |
| Kwity Paye | DL | 1st | 21st |  Indianapolis Colts |
| Jalen Mayfield | OL | 3rd | 68th |  Atlanta Falcons |
| Nico Collins | WR | 3rd | 89th |  Houston Texans |
| Ambry Thomas | DB | 3rd | 102nd |  San Francisco 49ers |
