In view of Aidan Hutchinson being favored to be taken first in the 2022 NFL Draft comes caution. Conventional wisdom is an oxymoron with an emphasis on morons. Certainly, Hutchinson could to first in the Draft Thursday night. But it is almost nearly as probable that he won’t. Ideally, the Detroit Lions would take the Michigan EDGE rusher. However, the Lions pick second with the NFL Draft Odds. First overall in the draft order is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meaning that for Hutchinson to go first, he would go to the Jags or another team after a trade.
2022 NFL Draft First Player Selected Odds
| Date and Time: | Thursday, April 28, 6:30 p.m. ET through Saturday, April 30, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| 2022 NFL Draft TV Coverage: | ESPN, ABC, NFL Network |
2022 First Player Taken NFL Draft Odds at SBG
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Aidan Hutchinson | -200 |
| Travon Walker | +200 |
| Ikem Ekwonu | +1200 |
| Evan Neal | +2000 |
| Kayvon Thibodeaux | +2000 |
| Malik Willis | +3500 |
| Ahmad Gardner | +5000 |
| Kenny Pickett | +7500 |
| Charles Cross | +7500 |
| Kyle Hamilton | +8000 |
| All Other Players | +10000 or higher |
Is Hutchinson Living Off End of Last Season?
Aidan Hutchinson burst into the nation’s attention when Michigan scored a rousing online wagering win over Ohio State. Following that was a stellar performance in the Big Ten Championship Game. Hutchinson had a strong 2021 college football performance. He was a key figure in Michigan winning the Big Ten and making the College Football Playoff. But in his first three seasons with the Maize and Blue, Hutchinson was not a dominant player. Now comes the question is if Hutchinson can keep it going?
Lions Desperate for Hutchinson
No team is respected less in the NFL than the Detroit Lions. Consider that the Lions have never made a Super Bowl. Their last NFL championship was when Dwight Eisenhower was President of the United States. In recent years the Lions have gone from mediocre to miserable. Thus, getting Hutchinson would be the ultimate coup. Cause by the Michigan Wolverines being the most popular team in the state. But again, the question remains, is Hutchinson worth getting?
Appealing Alternatives to Hutchinson
Two other EDGE rushers, Kayvon Thibodeaux of Oregon and Travon Walker of Georgia, rate just as high with draftniks. And perhaps both have more upside than Hutchinson. But Hutchinson gets the hype because of playing for Michigan. Additionally, EDGE rusher Jermain Johnson II of Florida State has caught the eye of NFL scouts as a probable-high first round pick.
Team Needs Must Match with Draft Position
Of course, teams like Jacksonville and Detroit have numerous holes to fill. So too do the Houston Texans, New York Jets, and New York Giants. And an EDGE rusher is not the only need for any team.
For example, Jacksonville is looking hard at offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State. Ekwonu is rated as one of the most dominant run blockers to enter an NFL Draft.
Safety Kyle Hamilton of Notre Dame is the top pick at defensive safety. And there is hardly a team that couldn’t use a player that matches Hamilton’s smarts and toughness.
Meanwhile, a host of wide receivers will be on the list of every team in this era of high-octane offense.
Summing up, Aidan Hutchinson is a good pick to go first. But with so much talent and so many variables, his 2022 NFL Draft value is lacking.