2022 NFL Draft: 10 Prospects to watch in the 2021 College Football Playoff
2. Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
Teams looking for a mountain of a man along their front seven will have their eyes on Jordan Davis. The Bulldog defensive lineman has excellent length and a massive frame. He’s a 6-6 340-pound interior lineman who does his best work against the run.
When he plays the run, his long arms and power give him an advantage against guards. He locks out and extends when holding the point. Due to his size and raw power, it’s hard to run directly at him.
While he doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher in terms of numbers, he does offer promise. Despite his size, Davis has great athleticism that shows when he’s chasing guys down. He’s quick enough to line up as a three-technique in a 4-3 where he can rush the quarterback at the next level. However, thanks to his length, raw power, and athleticism, he can line up at the five or nose in a 3-4 scheme.
Davis is the third or fourth-best defensive lineman in this class. He’ll likely hear his name called inside the Top 15 and he could lock himself into the Top 10 if he performs well in the playoffs.
1. Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Michigan
What is there left to say about the stud defensive lineman for the Wolverines? Aiden Hutchinson came into the season as the No. 2 defensive lineman prospect behind Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux. Since the start of the 2021 College Football season, the junior end has dominated the competition.
In 2021, the 6-6 265-pound edge defender amassed 58 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. He’s a technician at the line of scrimmage with violent hands, good length, and counter moves. When asked to play the run, he displays power and control when he extends.
Hutchinson is a dominant relentless pass rusher with above-average athleticism, flexibility, power, and great hands. He’s an ideal fit for a 4-3 front who draws comps to Aldon Smith. However, he’s versatile and long enough to play the five-technique in 3-4 defense — comp is Cameron Jordan (Saints).
With the Wolves in the playoffs, Hutchinson will continue to make the No. 1 overall pick a coin toss.