Three Wolverines go in first round in latest mock from The Athletic
Michigan football prospects have moved fully into the 2022 NFL Draft process with the declaration deadline passed. The offseason has hit for most of the league, front offices are working diligently to prepare for the event in late April.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler put out his 2022 mock draft 2.0 on Wednesday morning with a trio of Michigan players going in the first round. This is headlined by pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but not where some may expect.
Hutchinson has appeared as a first-round pick in mocks over the last several weeks. The Jacksonville Jaguars went elsewhere, electing to use the top overall pick on North Carolina State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu.
Michigan’s team captain and all-time single-season sack leader (14) did not have a long wait, however.
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE: No. 2 overall, Detroit Lions
“A Week 18 victory against the Packers meant the Lions lost the No. 1 overall pick, but there is a decent chance that the top-ranked player on Detroit’s draft board will still be available at No. 2.
“Hutchinson isn’t on the same level as the Bosa brothers — he doesn’t have the same bend or arc skills. However, there are similarities when you talk about their quickness, power and skilled hand play to defeat blockers and disrupt the pocket. Hutchinson can win in multiple ways and is wired in a way that will appeal to head coach Dan Campbell.“
TheWolverine.com analysis: Hutchinson would be tailor-made for the regime currently in place with the Lions. He is a lunchpail prospect that proved he can rush with his hand in the dirt or as a stand-up defender. He will be an eventual team captain wherever he goes. Many Michigan fans would love to keep him local.
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David Ojabo, EDGE: No. 8 overall, Atlanta Falcons
“Predictably, the Falcons finished dead-last in the NFL in sacks this season as they sorely lack the edge rush talent to keep offenses off-balance. Still young in football years, Ojabo is still a work in progress, but he has the talent level right now to stress blockers.
“Polling several NFL personnel people for this mock, the feedback on Ojabo was he won’t be a top-10 pick because of his struggles vs. the run and his relative inexperience. But I’m betting on his ceiling at a premium position to bump him up in this draft class.“
TheWolverine.com analysis: One of Michigan football’s breakout stars has work to do before becoming an every-down defender. Still, pass rusher is a premium spot that teams are willing to reach for upside. While not the same caliber of EDGE prospect that Hutchinson, Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux and Purdue’s George Karlaftis are, Ojabo is at the front of that next tier.
Daxton Hill, DB: No. 29 overall, Kansas City Chiefs
“With Tyrann Mathieu, Charvarius Ward and Mike Hughes about to hit free agency, the Chiefs’ secondary might look a little different next season. Hill is not only an option at safety, but he played a slot cornerback role for the Wolverines and can do the same in Kansas City, which would allow L’Jarius Sneed to play outside full-time.“
TheWolverine.com analysis: Hill should test extremely well at the combine and Michigan football’s pro day. The former five-star recruit has the requisite athletic traits to be a tremendous defensive back in the NFL. There will be some debate over his best position, but he likely comes off the board to a playoff team if he goes in the first round.
When Michigan prospects will be drafted
The 2022 NFL Draft is set for April 28-30 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The first round takes place on Thursday night with rounds two and three coming on Friday. The event wraps up with rounds four through seven on Saturday.
