2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis in the top 5, Cowboys get elite EDGE
By Randy Gurzi
32. Michigan. Aidan Hutchinson. EDGE. player. 48. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
It was apparent throughout the season that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were loaded all over the field, which had a lot to do with why they won the Super Bowl. Yes, Tom Brady was the biggest reason, I mean the guy has seven rings now, but he had a lot of weapons to work with.
Then, they somehow convinced all of their top players to return for another attempt at a title. Now, they have all 22 starters returning and they even added Joe Tryon as a pass-rusher to groom.
Looking ahead to the 2022 NFL Draft, they really don’t have a whole lot of holes so they can simply continue to take the best player available, and in this mock, that player is Aidan Hutchinson out of Michigan.
Hutchinson decided late in the process to return for his senior season and while it could help him develop, it didn’t do a ton to his stock because he was already a borderline first-round talent. He still ends up in the opening round and is in an interesting spot.
He’s a big defensive lineman at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds and can be used on the line in Tampa Bay. He might not be a starter in their 3-4 base since he’s not really a stand-up pass rusher but he could be used on third down packages alongside Shaq Barrett — who just signed a four-year extension — and Tryon.
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Eventually, they can find out how to work him into the starting lineup but for now, the Bucs have the luxury of landing the best talent and figuring out how to best use them later.