Aidan Hutchinson NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for Michigan EDGE

HEIGHT: 6'6 5/8"

WEIGHT: 260

HAND: 10 1/4"

ARM: 32 1/8"

WINGSPAN: 6'6 1/8"

40-YARD DASH: 4.74

3-CONE: 6.73

SHUTTLE: 4.15

VERTICAL: 36"

BROAD: 9'9"

POSITIVES

— Above-average first step. Can be reliant on snap-jumping, but still covers ground when he doesn't.

— Great run-versus-pass awareness. Rarely caught guessing or playing too far upfield.

— Great recognition versus the run. Sees different kinds of concepts and blocks well.

— Very good technique and strength against the run.

— Very good lateral explosion. Can work two-way opportunities on OTs effectively.

— Great power as a pass-rusher. Does well to generate and sustain momentum through explosive steps.

— Good hand usage and pass-rushing variety. Specializes in inside counter moves.

— Played both from a stand-up position and with his hand in the dirt.

NEGATIVES

— Can get too upright off the snap. Exposes his chest.

— Will occasionally lunge into offensive tackles to make first contact rather than keep his feet with him.

— Below-average flexibility on film. Often plays upright and stiff. 

— Not a particularly smooth athlete in space. Definitely cannot cover; may struggle chasing better athletes around.

— Can be a bit of a snap jumper. Worked in college, but will not be as effective in the NFL.

2021 STATISTICS

14 G, 62 TOT, 16.5 TFL, 14 SK, 3 PBU, 2 FF, 1 FR

NOTES

— Father Chris Hutchinson also played at Michigan between 1989-1992.

— Consensus 2021 first-team All-American.

— 4-star recruit in 2018.

OVERALL

Aidan Hutchinson is the high-floor type of edge-rusher whom teams dream of.

Hutchinson has great size for the position and clears the bar for most athletic traits. He possesses good explosiveness along with moments of overwhelming strength, particularly when he can get a head of steam as a pass-rusher. While his bend is lacking, his speed, technique and functional length all help make up for his non-elite flexibility. Hutchinson should still be able to win consistently as a power rusher with strong hands and a mean inside counter.

Hutchinson will enter the league as a valuable run defender, too. The way he sees plays develop right at the snap is impressive for a young player, and he has the strength and attitude to take on blocks with force. Hutchinson has all of the tools to set the edge consistently as well as the first-step quickness to find himself in the backfield from time to time.

Pair all of Hutchinson's powerful pass-rushing traits together with a tough, smart run defender, and the end result is an immediate starting edge-defender with Pro Bowl potential.

GRADE: 8.8 (Impact Player - 1st round)

OVERALL RANK: 9

POSITION RANK: EDGE3

PRO COMPARISON: Maxx Crosby

  

Written by B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen