The Michigan pass rusher is known for going
full-tilt full-time, but some scouts question
whether he can dominate in the NFL. With the help
of another UM legend—his dad—THE POTENTIAL
TOP PICK is out to show there’s more to his gameBY
PAT FORDEAIDAN
HUTCHINSON
THE MAN WHOSE name may be called first at the NFL
draft has a habit that perfectly fits his persona. Instead of
answering a question with “yes,” Aidan Hutchinson often
defaults to “100 percent.”
This is how the Michigan defensive end plays and how
he lives. He is a geyser of maximum effort. He will run
to the football. He will play to the whistle. He will battle
blockers and hammer runners and chase quarterbacks until
the last dog dies.
Inspired by Tom Brady, he will drink distilled water almost
exclusively, a gallon a day. He is a clean-living fanatic who cut
out sugar and gluten and alcohol. He is a workout warrior
who elevates the exertion level of those who sweat with him.
Everything is geared toward maximizing his physical potential.
“He’s projected first off the board, one of those caliber
players, and he’s working as if he’s about to be drafted in the
sixth round,” says Minnesota defensive end Boye Mafe, who
worked out with Hutchinson leading into the NFL combine.
There is some debate about whether Hutchinson is the best
player in this draft class. There is much less debate about who
is the safest pick. “There’s not a lot of questions or doubts,”
says one NFL executive involved in player evaluation. “You
watch the tape and you know what the guy is going to be
like in your building. You’re going to love having him.”
Hutchinson knows the value of putting 100-percent effort
on f ilm for the NFL. He’s long been wired that way, becauseSI.COM MAY 2022 37
KIRTHMON F. DOZIER/USA TODAY NETWORK
DRAFT PREVIEW20
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