For several weeks now, the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft — firmly belonging to the Detroit Lions after their Week 12 loss — has been Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux. After Saturday’s action, there is another worthy candidate for the Lions.
Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson firmly planted his flag in the race with a tour de force performance in the Wolverines’ 42-27 win over Ohio State. Already a near-unanimous top-five prospect, what Hutchinson did on Saturday to a heretofore really good Buckeyes offensive line put him in definite consideration for the top pick.
With Lions front office assistant John Dorsey among the many NFL scouts in attendance, Hutchinson spearheaded a fantastic defensive performance. Hutchinson bagged three sacks, drew at least one holding penalty and was a constant menace to talented Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud. Hutchinson displayed the complete package NFL teams want in a premium pass rusher: burst off the snap, powerful shoulders, great hands and punch, quick feet, excellent balance, speed around the edge and power over the inside shoulder of the blocker.
Thibodeaux had five total tackles, one TFL and three QB pressures in Oregon’s win over rival Oregon State. He is a different style of player, more speed-based and better as a stand-up rusher, in contrast to Hutchinson’s more traditional hand-in-dirt style. What’s nice is that both players have shown they can also play in the preferred style of the other.
It’s going to be an epic debate in Detroit sports circles for the next few months. Certainly a quarterback (Ole Miss’ Matt Corral) will also be bandied about. It will be hard for any candidate to top Hutchinson’s audition tape from Michigan’s win over Ohio State.