Aidan Hutchinson's spot changes in ESPN's latest Todd McShay mock draft
The NFL Combine is in the rearview mirror, meaning potential draft slots are coming into focus for Michigan prospects. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson leads the class and could be one of the first players off the board.
In fact, that is exactly what ESPN’s Todd McShay predicts. The draft analyst released his latest mock this week which had the Michigan edge defender coming off the board No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“I thought hard about NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu here even after the Jaguars put the franchise tag on Cam Robinson on Tuesday, but that move means Jacksonville will be paying Robinson $16.6 million in 2022,” McShay wrote. “Would the Jags commit that kind of money to the position and then still draft a tackle when they have the chance to instead bring in the best prospect in the class? Hutchinson can be a franchise cornerstone on defense. He racked up 14 sacks and 66 pressures last season, his 6.73-second three-cone drill shows incredible short-area burst, and he is the most technically efficient pass-rusher in the entire class. A pairing of Josh Allen and Hutchinson would torment opposing quarterbacks.”
Other Michigan defenders in the first round
The other Michigan pass rusher, David Ojabo, seems all but locked into first-round consideration too. McShay slotted him No. 19 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Ojabo has a quick first step and closes with explosion,” McShay said. “That explosion was on display at the combine, where he ran a 4.55 in the 40 and had a solid 10-foot-2 broad jump. His production (11 sacks last season) would be welcomed in Philly.”
Safety Daxton Hill rounded out the defensive trio of prospects in the first round, coming off the board No. 30 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Hill is a fast riser after a great combine showing (4.38-second 40-yard dash), and he’s a rangy defensive back with versatility,” he said. “He has the free safety traits to match slot receivers in man coverage and the physicality to support the run like a strong safety. Hill would help contain the vertical passing games of division-mates Justin Herbert and Russell Wilson.”
Other key NFL Draft dates
Michigan will hold its pro day on March 18, which will be the last time these prospects will be on the field in front of a gathering of league scouts. Teams can bring them in for private workouts, but this will be the final combine/public workout-type setting.
From there, they play the waiting game. The 2022 NFL Draft is set for April 28-30 from Las Vegas, Nevada. Round one will take place on April 28 with rounds two and three set for the 29th. The draft closes out on Saturday, April 30 with rounds four through seven.
