Devin Funchess is a matchup nightmare for linebackers or safeties. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)
Second-team All-Big Ten wide receiver Devin Funchess is done at Michigan.
The junior, projected as a first-round pick by NFLDraftScout.com, announced Tuesday that he would not return to Ann Arbor, instead pursuing a pro career in the NFL.
“I would like to thank my family, coaches and teammates for their support,” Funchess said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL, and I am prepared to take the next step in my journey. I want to personally thank (former Michigan) coach (Brady) Hoke and his staff. I’ve learned life and character lessons from them, and they have helped me become a better person and man. I love Michigan.”
Funchess had 126 career catches and 15 touchdowns, lining up at tight end and wide receiver. Where he best fits in the NFL will likely be determined by athletic testing.
At 6-5, 237, he compares to former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley, according to NFLDraftScout.com.
Funchess led the Wolverines with 62 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns in his first full season at wide receiver in 2014. He finished the regular season third in the Big Ten in receptions and seventh in the conference in receiving yards.
According to NFLDraftScout.com, “Funchess is a mismatch nightmare against linebackers and smaller defensive backs.”
First-round receivers from Michigan have not been successful in the NFL in recent seasons. Top-10 picks David Terrell and Braylon Edwards never met lofty expectations in the NFL, though Edwards did have several productive seasons.
Edwards, the third overall pick in the 2005 draft, had only one 1,000-yard season (1,289 in 2007) in nine NFL seasons with the Browns, Jets, 49ers and Seahawks, which included 40 career touchdowns.
Terrell was the eighth overall pick in 2001 and finished his career with 128 receptions and nine touchdowns with the Bears (2001-04) and Broncos (2005).
