Where Michigan prospects land in Todd McShay's new two-round mock draft
Michigan Wolverines football might well have its third-ever No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick in defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. It’s certainly been trending that way for the last month-plus, and the Heisman Trophy runner-up visited the Jacksonville Jaguars, who hold the first choice, this week. The Maize and Blue also have two others who are projected to be selected in the first two rounds in safety Daxton Hill and outside linebacker David Ojabo.
As of now, Hutchinson to Jacksonville appears to be the most likely scenario to start off the draft. He’s now the odds-on favorite to go off the board first at -200 on the DraftKings Sportsbook, and ESPN analyst Todd McShay has him heading to the Jaguars in his latest mock draft.
“Best player available,” McShay began, discussing the former Michigan star. “Big need. Perfect match. Jacksonville tied for the fifth-fewest sacks in 2021 (32), and its 27.8-percent pressure rate ranked No. 20 in the NFL. Hutchinson would instantly provide the Jaguars with a relentless, explosive disrupter on the edge opposite Josh Allen.
“There’s still a chance that the Jags favor one of the top offensive tackles in the class — NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu or Alabama’s Evan Neal — even after they franchise-tagged left tackle Cam Robinson and signed guard Brandon Scherff. But I just don’t see them passing on Hutchinson’s ability to be a tone-setter on defense.”
RELATED
• Michigan takeaways from On3’s Big Ten football schedule breakdown
• MMQB: Surprises at two position groups and more reflection on Michigan’s spring game
Hill has long been considered a fringe first-round pick, and he certainly has that kind of talent, McShay said. But he believes he may slip to the early second, which would allow him to stay close to where he played college ball at Michigan.
Top 10
- 1
LSU-OU WBB fight
Multiple ejections after dust up
- 2
OU DC top target
Sooners eyeing Arkansas State coach
- 3Hot
Pearl needles Alabama
Auburn coach had to say it
- 4
Arch Manning at No. 1?
Where underclassmen rank in this NFL draft
- 5
Cam Newton
Arch Manning, Saban to Cowboys
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
“Hill probably belongs in the first round, but the Lions get lucky with the smooth, speedy safety on Day 2,” McShay said, pegging Hill to go to the Detroit Lions at No. 34 overall. “He reminds me a bit of [Arizona Cardinals safety] Budda Baker and would be an upgrade on the back end of the Lions’ defense. Detroit allowed 70 plays for 20-plus yards last season (sixth most), but Hill has the range to limit those big plays.”
Ojabo’s is an interesting case. Many had him going in the top 10 of the draft, before he tore his achilles at Michigan’s pro day last month. The former Wolverine is raw and still has a lot of potential, but he’s also got a lot of rehabbing to do before he can take the field again and continue developing.
McShay projected the Philadelphia Eagles to nab him with the No. 51 overall selection.
“The Eagles traded one of their three first-rounders, but they ended up with a first-round talent in Round 2 anyway,” McShay wrote. “Of course, Ojabo tore an Achilles at Michigan’s pro day, and Philadelphia can’t expect to see him much, if at all, this season. But he has a lot of upside, and his speed and suddenness cause offensive tackles a lot of issues. If the Eagles can wait out his recovery, this could end up a huge win.”
