Aidan Hutchinson and Michigan’s 5 best 2022 NFL Draft prospects to watch this season
Michigan football hopes to see defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and other Michigan NFL Draft prospects take the NFL by storm in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Is it ever too soon to look forward to the next NFL Draft? The answer is definitely no.
For Michigan football, the goal is to come back stronger from last year’s 2-4 record. Doing that would be a lot easier if NFL Draft prospects on the roster emerged.
Which players could draw the eye of pro scouts before long?
Michigan football’s five NFL Draft prospects to watch
5. Hassan Haskins, running back
Haskins was Michigan’s leading rusher in 2020 with 375 yards and six touchdowns. The numbers don’t jump off the page, mostly because there is definite room for improvement with the Wolverine offense in general. Haskins will play a role in making sure that happens as the team’s primary power back.
Last season he averaged 10.17 attempts while averaging 6.15 yards per carry. With more carries likely to come his way, he can make a statement in the Big Ten with a 1,000-yard season or better. The redshirt junior should be eager to get into the pros soon, so 2021 will be a hugely important campaign.
4. Josh Ross, linebacker
Ross is coming back for his fifth year for a second season as a full-time starter. He did well in 2020 in that role, leading the team with 53 tackles as a run-stopping specialist. He added 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception during the six-game season. How well will he fit into new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s system? That’s the question that could make or break Ross’s NFL hopes.
3. Ronnie Bell, receiver
Bell has led Michigan in receiving for the last two years. Returning for another go-around, the 6-foot, 190-pounder will try to put a bow on it. Does he have more to give? When it comes to draft projections, Bell lacks that standout athleticism or size that would ensure a selection. What he does have is really solid production and consistent technical ability. He’ll need to prove that’s enough to put up some big numbers.