Aidan Hutchinson makes strong NFL Combine case to be No. 1 pick

Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson’s NFL Combine numbers may very well propel him to the first-overall pick.

The NFL Scouting Combine is nearing its end as it concludes on Sunday night. But on Saturday, it was the on-field showcase for defensive linemen and linebackers. That meant Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson could solidify his case to become the first-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

With the defensive linemen on-field drills completed, Hutchinson’s final numbers may very well have the Jacksonville Jaguars second-guessing taking an offensive lineman with the first-overall selection. Just take a look at Hutchinson’s times in the 3-cone drill and the short shuttle.

Aidan Hutchinson makes case to be No. 1 pick in 2022 NFL Draft

As Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed says in his tweet, Hutchinson’s 3-cone and short shuttle times were equivalent to numbers put up by slot wide receivers. Hutchinson is 6-foot-7 and 260-pounds.

Hutchinson is coming off of a tremendous senior season at Michigan, where he actually finished as the runner-up to Alabama quarterback Bryce Young for the Heisman Trophy after receiving 78 first-place votes and 273 second-place votes. That is the second-highest finish for a defender since Michigan’s Charles Woodson won the Heisman in 1997.

In 14 games, Hutchinson recorded 62 total tackles (16.5 for loss), 14 sacks, three defended passes and two forced fumbles.

The Jaguars hold the first-overall pick for the second consecutive year. They used last year’s pick on quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who really struggled in his rookie season with Urban Meyer as his head coach. Now, he has a Super Bowl-winning head coach in Doug Pederson.

While yes, Jacksonville could use the No. 1 selection on an offensive tackle like North Carolina State’s Ickey Ekwonu or Alabama’s Evan Neal to protect Lawrence at the line of scrimmage. But Hutchinson’s numbers could entice the team to take him instead. It may not even be the Jaguars who use the first-overall pick, as general manager Trent Baalke said that “you’re always open for business” in regards to taking trade offers.

For teams in need of pass rusher help, they have to be amazed at what they saw from Hutchinson at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday.