NFL Draft Player Profile: Aidan Hutchinson
by Tayyib Abu
Aidan Hutchinson is an edge rusher from the University of Michigan.
The 21-year-old from Plymouth, Michigan, heads into the draft after an epic, record-breaking 2021 season.
Hutchinson’s school-record 14 sacks helped the Michigan Wolverines win the BIG 10 Championship and play in the CFP semi-finals.
Born and raised in Michigan, Hutchinson followed his father’s footsteps when he joined the University of Michigan in 2018.
The four-star recruit from Divine Child High School enjoyed a solid rookie campaign as he took part in every game.
Overall, a four-year college career saw Hutchinson impress local and national onlookers.
The potent pass-rusher emerged as the heartbeat of Jim Harbaugh’s football program in 2021, after injury cut short the Covid-19 hit 2020 campaign.
Hutchinson scooped up the coveted Ted Hendricks Award and finished second in Heisman Trophy Award votes. That 2021 campaign rocketed Hutchinson up draft boards, and he is now the favorite to go first overall.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Relentless energy and engine. Hutchinson can play at 100% through four quarters.
- Has strong hands and quick feet, Hutchinson owns an array of pass-rushing moves to beat blockers.
- Is agile enough to drop into pass coverage and defend zones.
- Hutchinson is a brilliant locker room leader. He loves football, sets a great example, and possesses the intangibles.
Weaknesses:
- The athletic potential may not be as high as Kayvon Thibodeaux or Travon Walker’s.
- Is too upright at times. Hutchinson can lack bend and burst on the outside.
- Lack of length is concerning. Bigger, rangier offensive linemen may out-gun Hutchinson.
- Not a powerful run-stuffer. Hutchinson could struggle when required to play in even-fronts on base downs against the run.
Hutchinson is similar in style and personality to Maxx Crosby, if not athletically.
Both players boast relentless engines and compete on every down.
Hutchinson is perhaps more agile, and is undoubtedly taller than Crosby. The Michigan star equally uses solid power moves and hand skills to win against offensive linemen.
Lastly, both players are high-character, intense players that can lead locker rooms and set standards.
Who will draft him?
While the 2022 NFL Draft has been notoriously difficult to predict, Aidan Hutchinson will almost certainly go first or second overall.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the favorites to land the 21-year-old. We’ve projected them to get the Michigan standout in a recent mock draft.
But if the Jags pass on Hutchinson, his destination will become clear.
Why? Well, Hutchinson’s home-state Detroit Lions have the second pick. The Lions let edge rusher Trey Flowers leave in free agency and are looking to strengthen a defense that finished 31st in pass-rush win rate.
Head coach Dan Campbell has consistently spoken about wanting high-character players that love football. Hutchinson ticks those boxes, and for the Lions, they need a new face of the franchise.
Drafting a homegrown player who played High School football 10 minutes away from the Lions’ practice complex would do that.
NFL Projection
Aidan Hutchinson is the safest pick available at the top of the draft.
Hutchinson should have a long, distinguished NFL career as a decade-long starter at worst. Hutchinson’s high floor marks him as a worthwhile proposition in a class with outstanding defensive prospects and high ceilings.
At best, he could be a perennial Pro-Bowler with solid production. Other edge rushers boast more attractive traits, but Hutchinson is the least ‘un-bustable’ pick.
ESPN’s NFL analyst Louis Riddick stated at the combine that teams should look to minimize risk as much as possible with high picks.
Add the adoption of the TB12 Method, the hiring of a personal coach, and a voracious appetite to watch game film. Hutchinson is the perfect prospect.
