NFL Draft: 5 Defensive prospects New York Giants must have on big board
By Reese Nasser
Michigan Edge, Aidan Hutchinson
No player heading into the 2022 draft has improved their draft stock like Aidan Hutchinson has.
Prior to the start of the 2021 collegiate season, Hutchinson was seen as a borderline day-one prospect.
Now, Hutchinson is a consensus top-five pick and will be expected to make an immediate impact at the next level. Adding Hutchinson to this Giants defense could elevate this group to a new level.
When watching Hutchinson, you see a player who has an elite skill set. His explosiveness paired alongside his strength made him a matchup-nightmare for most offensive lineman. This led to Hutchinson recording three sacks in three different games this past season.
Hutchinson finished his final season with a statline that rivaled some of college football’s best. He totaled 62 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. He also took home the award for Big Ten defensive player of the year and finished second in Heisman voting.
Hutchinson doesn’t have the perfect game, but his talent could be too much to pass on. His jumpiness off the ball occasionally hurts him as he gives up leverage to the opposing tackle. Given time, this is a problem that will be fixed.
His effectiveness in all areas of the game, plus the impact that he will make immediately should make him one of the top names on the Giants big board. If Hutchinson falls to pick number five, he could be the perfect prospect for the Giants.