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PLAYSTYLE & SCHEME FIT
Aidan Hutchinson is a dominant pass rusher who uses a combination of speed and power to win at the point of attack. He plays with a high motor making his presence felt on nearly every snap opening up opportunities for others to make plays when opposing offenses make it a priority to block him. Hutchinson is an every-down player who can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up. He is not a player who will drop into pass coverage by necessity but shows enough athleticism to settle into a curl or flat area as a changeup.
Hutchinson is a strong-run defender who can set the edge. He possesses good run pursuit and tackling ability. He does an excellent job of tracking the football from inside out, using his power and low pad level to outmaneuver his blocker(s).
In 2021, Hutchinson is playing the edge, standing up in a 3-4 scheme under new Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald. Hutchinson has experience lining up inside (4i or 3T) under his former Defensive Coordinator, Don Brown, further adding to his versatility as an every-down and situational defender.
According to Michigan football strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert, Hutchinson posted a 4.64sec forty-yard dash, 36in vertical, 6.54sec 3 cone, and 4.07sec shuttle. All of these numbers are better than both of the Bosa's, and nearly all of T.J. Watts posted NFL Combine results, except for T.J. Watt’s 37in vertical.
PLAYER COMPARISON:
CEILING GRADE ANALYSIS
Elite (75+)
A rare, high-impact prospect with the potential to be an instant NFL star. These players possess elite physical tools, high-level athleticism, and exceptional football intelligence. Their game is polished, showing minimal weaknesses, and they can dominate at their position from day one. They routinely accomplish what seems impossible and are viewed as franchise-altering talents.
Primary scout:
Brandon Lundberg
Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Grade Scale
Football Scout 365 grades reflect a prospect’s projected long-term NFL value and role. Draft ranges are general value projections, not predictions of an exact selection. Positional value, team needs, scheme fit, medical information and athletic testing can influence where a player is ultimately selected.
How Football Scout 365 Grades NFL Draft Prospects
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Elite (75+): A rare, high-impact prospect with elite physical tools, advanced football intelligence and the ability to make an immediate NFL impact. Elite prospects carry franchise-altering potential and typically project as top 5–10 selections in the first round.
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Near Elite (70–74): A high-caliber prospect with outstanding physical tools, strong football intelligence and only minor developmental limitations. Near Elite prospects project as significant early-career contributors with Pro Bowl upside and first-round draft value.
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High-End Starter Potential (65–69): A starting-caliber prospect with strong physical tools, quality technical skills and a defined NFL role. These players may require development before reaching their ceiling but generally carry second- or third-round draft value.
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Mid-Level Starter Potential (60–64): A solid prospect with NFL-level tools and a pathway to becoming a dependable starter if key limitations are addressed. These players generally carry third- to fifth-round draft value.
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Low-Level Starter Potential (55–59): A developmental prospect who could become a low-end starter, high-end backup or valuable specialist in the right role. These players generally carry fifth- to seventh-round draft value.
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Backup Level (50–54): A depth or rotational prospect with enough functional ability to compete for an NFL roster spot but limited long-term starting potential. These players generally project as late Day 3 selections or priority undrafted free agents.
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Not NFL Level (Below 50): A developmental or camp prospect who does not currently demonstrate enough consistency, technical refinement or functional NFL traits to project as a regular contributor. These players generally project as undrafted free agents, practice-squad candidates or camp invitations.
Draft position can vary based on positional value, team needs, scheme fit, medical evaluation and athletic testing.