Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez 'pleased' with first spring practice

“They moved around well," Rodriguez said. "You can see the veteran guys understand how we run practice and the enthusiasm was outstanding. What you’d expect after you’ve been working out inside for about six or seven weeks and you go out and it’s a beautiful day and the sun’s out. I was really pleased. I think we made progress."

Rodriguez reiterated that he'll be slow installing offensive and defensive packages this spring.

“Because we need to work on a lot of technique stuff," Rodriguez said. "But the guys responded very well and I think today with the weather we should have another good practice."

McShay: Brandon Graham is draft's best outside linebacker

ESPN Scouts Inc. draft analyst Todd McShay said in a conference call Thursday that former Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham remains his top-rated outside linebacker.

Graham did not take part in linebacker drills at the NFL combine last month because of a hamstring injury. He has a private workout scheduled April 8 at Michigan.

(Click here for complete archive of Brandon Graham stories).

"Depending on the 3-4 (defense) you run and what you're looking for, his height is a little bit of a concern," McShay said. "But I do think Brandon Graham, if you're looking for a 3-4 outside linebacker, is as good as you're going to get in this draft.

"Just his motor, intensity, toughness ... I went back and watched LaMarr Woodley as a senior coming out and compared him to Brandon Graham, there's not a big difference. We've seen how big of an impact that Woodley has made."

McShay projects Graham to get drafted 22nd overall by New England.