2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets land superstar EDGE, Eagles triple-dip on defense

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 25, 2021

EUGENE, OREGON - SEPTEMBER 04: Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks rushes the passer during the first quarter of the game Fresno State Bulldogs at Autzen Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won 31-24. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 30: Aidan Hutchinson #97, Nico Collins #4 and Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines walk to the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State defeated Michigan 56-27. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. EDGE. Michigan. 18. player. 123. Scouting Report. Aidan Hutchinson

18. Dallas Cowboys: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

It seems as though the Dallas Cowboys are perpetually looking for a defensive end that can produce for more than just a season or two. They did get a breakthrough with DeMarcus Lawrence but they haven’t really had a true starter at right defensive end for a long time.

There’s hope Randy Gregory could be that guy but he’s in the final year of his contract and still has yet to prove he can be counted on long-term. Even if he does turn out to be everything they hope for (and re-signs after 2021), we’ve already seen the Cowboys have to play without Lawrence and Gregory this season.

That means they would be smart to add some depth to the position, which is what they do with Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound Hutchinson boasts incredible size and has the flexibility to move all around the line, which is something the Dallas coaching staff will love. He also wouldn’t hinder Grgeoy if he did take off, since they can move Hutchinson inside on third downs and still get No. 94 on the field for every passing down.

Of course, adding a Michigan player will likely get Dallas fans worried about the way things failed to work with Taco Charlton but Hutchinson is a completely different player and has been on the radar as a first-round pick for quite a while. He should have no problem living up to his status and helping Dallas finally end the revolving door opposite Lawrence.

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