CBS Sports mock draft predicts surprise ahead of Aidan Hutchinson
Michigan football’s Aidan Hutchinson continues to dominate the top of 2022 NFL Draft boards much like he did offensive linemen this season. However, it is far from a slam dunk he goes with the No. 1 overall pick.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have needs everywhere, but none bigger than protecting franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He took a beating during his rookie campaign, which might have the Jags looking at the offensive trenches for help.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports predicts just that with an offensive lineman coming off the board with the No. 1 overall pick. But it is not Alabama’s Evan Neal or NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu. He instead mocked Charles Cross of Mississippi State to Jacksonville.
Of course, Michigan’s pass rush demon was not on the board much longer. Three Wolverines cracked the first round of Edwards’ mock.
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE (No. 2 overall, Detroit Lions)
“With the first of two Detroit picks, the Lions select Hutchinson, who is a powerful and relentless pass rusher from down the road. The team needs to identify strengths, and a line featuring Romeo Okwara and Hutchinson gives reason to be excited.“
Analysis: Detroit is a fan-favorite destination for the local product. He was the straw that stirred the drink at both Dearborn Divine Child HS and with Michigan football. Staying close to home as a key piece in the Lions rebuild would sell a lot of jerseys in the Metro Detroit area.
David Ojabo, EDGE (No. 16 overall, Philadelphia Eagles)
“The middle of the first round is too rich to take Ojabo in my opinion, but I think his natural pass rushing ability and upside are enough for teams to consider it. Derek Barnett is a free agent and Brandon Graham is not going to play forever, so Ojabo is picked to threaten opposing quarterbacks opposite Josh Sweat.“
Analysis: Edwards, like many, seems to hint that Ojabo is still a bit raw to consider high first-round consideration. He is right in that the pass rush repertoire he brings to the table while still having so much room to grow makes him a candidate to come off the board early. Pass rushers are as difficult to find as quarterbacks in a lot of cases. There will be a run on them early and he will be included in that.
Daxton Hill, safety (No. 27 overall, Buffalo Bills)
‘“This is the [AFC East] way.” *Mandalorian voice* Buffalo follows New England’s style of building depth in the secondary. Hill is a prospect capable of wearing many hats. He can play in the slot or drop deep into a safety role. There is no need to rush Micah Hyde and/or Jordan Poyer out the door, but each will be at least 31 years old when the 2022 season commences. While more and more players are playing into their mid-to-late 30s, those players are still considered outliers.“
Analysis: Versatility is key for Hill, which puts more teams in the mix for him given the number of roles he can fill on defense. Michigan had Hill play the roles that Edwards laid out above and even repped him some at boundary corner. It would not be stunning if he rose after the pre-draft testing process. Hill has all the athletic traits to cement his first-round potential if teams like what they see on film.
Michigan football in the NFL Draft
The 2022 NFL Draft is set for April 28-30 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The first round takes place on Thursday night with rounds two and three coming on Friday. The event wraps up with rounds four through seven on Saturday.
