Aidan Hutchinson NFL Draft Overview
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6’-7”
Weight: 260 pounds
School: Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson 2022 NFL Draft Profile
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson enters the NFL Draft as one of the top prospects available and someone who will likely find himself selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the first overall pick. Hutchinson has impressed many throughout the league with his energy, constant motor and skillset that took another yet step from his junior to senior season in college.
After suffering a major ankle injury in 2020, Hutchinson decided to return to Michigan in 2021 and had a season that propelled him to the top draft boards. In his final collegiate year, Hutchinson led one of the best defenses in the nation and pushed Michigan to a Big Ten championship. In his final year with the Wolverines, Hutchinson tallied 62 tackles, a new single-season school record 14 sacks, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles.
Strengths
- Strong, explosive defensive end with a quick first step;
- Displays good pass-rushing moves and is an excellent pursuit defender;
- Has shown good use of his hands while being a disruptive defensive end;
- An up-tempo and high-energy defender that has good instincts and quickness;
- Does an above-average job at chasing down running backs from behind;
- Is a constant headache for opposing quarterbacks and requires attention by the offense at all times;
- Has good vision, power and can shed blocks at an above-average level;
- Ready to contribute and play immediately at the NFL level.
Weaknesses
- Could currently be at his peak physically;
- Contains a below-average arm length that could become an issue in creating leverage against offensive lineman at the next level;
- Needs to show a bit more consistency in his high-energy and intensity throughout an entire game;
- A little light weight-wise;
- Is coming off of a serious ankle fracture injury in 2020.
NFL Comparison: Maxx Crosby
Teams With Need At Position: Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears
Projection: Top overall pick
Bottom Line on Aidan Hutchinson
Although you never want to see a player go through an injury like Hutchinson did in 2020, it was perhaps a blessing in disguise for the defensive end as he waited another year and has since improved his draft stock going into the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, Hutchinson is one of the top, if not the top, prospect on the draft board.
Hutchinson is an explosive and physical player that stands out from the rest of the players available in the draft. He dominated the college game over the last few years and will likely be able to carry that to the next level as a pro. Hutchinson is a player who could step into any defense and help remake that side of the ball as a starting edge rusher right away.
Hutchinson has enough upside to warrant being taken at the top of the draft, and he will probably be selected by Jacksonville with the first overall pick, or the Detroit Lions with the second pick. Whoever takes Hutchinson will get a difference-maker on defense, something any team atop the draft would want. His potential, skillset and overall package are not found in many other prospects in this draft.
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