With the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions draft Aidan Hutchinson, defensive end out of Michigan. The quarterback nightmare from Michigan will make an impact on this defense immediately. He is a well rounded defensive player who is able to blow through blocking schemes and double teams to create constant havoc in the backfield. Let’s take a closer look at Hutchinson.
Aidan Hutchinson Highlights
Lions Draft Aidan Hutchinson | 2022 NFL Draft Profile
Aidan Hutchinson
Position: Edge Rusher
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 265 lbs
Age: 21
College: Michigan Wolverines
Aiden Hutchinson Draft Profile
Strengths
When it comes to work ethic, few in the 2022 NFL Draft class will succeed in surpassing Aidan Hutchinson. His dedication to the weight room has resulted in a superb blend of strength, explosiveness and flexibility. Hutchinson has the skill set to line up in either a three- or four-man front at the next level. From the snap of the ball, he is able to counteract the movements and blocking schemes that opponents attempt to contain him with. His inside rush move to beat blockers off the edge is both subtle and smooth. Hutchinson’s hands are another noteworthy strength. He utilizes them with both speed and purpose to help shed would-be blockers.
Weaknesses
From a football standpoint, Hutchinson is susceptible on running downs. His instincts are purely average, and he also has a tendency to engage with blockers too long. The latter component is also a knock against his prowess as a pass-rusher. In terms of physicality, there is some concern that Hutchinson may not be capable of adding much more muscle mass and strength under the tutelage of NFL trainers. He also has below-average arm length for an edge rusher. Hutchinson lacks the kind of acceleration and burst when moving upfield that will be needed to get past athletic tackles at the NFL level.
RELATED | Full Aidan Hutchinson NFL Draft Profile and Highlights
Aidan Hutchinson Stats 2021 | Michigan
| G | Tkl | TFL | S | FF |
| 14 | 62 | 16.5 | 14.0 | 2 |
What to Expect From Aidan Hutchinson in 2022
It’s clear Aidan Hutchinson was drafted this high to contribute immediately. Look for him to take on a leadership role on and off the field on this defense. He has the strength and ability to make offensive linemen look foolish, even at the NFL level. Hutchinson is pro-ready, and loves getting after the quarterback, so look for him making it difficult of AFC South backfields this season.
