The Jacksonville Jaguars had the No.1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft and instead of picking Aidan Hutchinson, they went with Travon Walker. So with the Detroit Lions vs Jaguars game looming on Sunday, Hutchinson said that decision “will definitely be in the back of my head playing that game.”
Why it matters: During the whole 2022 NFL Draft process, Aidan Hutchinson thought he was headed for a No. 1 pick at Jacksonville. One week prior to the draft, some evaluators paused when Hutchinson’s arms measured at 32 1/8-inch arms at the combine which is unusually short for his size.
Despite this, Hutchinson left with a prospect grade of 6.8 from NFL.com. This put Aidan Hutchinson in the “Year 1 Starter” category. With a Next Gen Stats rating of 95, which is considered “Elite”.
Travon Walker received a 6.5-prospect grade. Which is considered “Will Become Good Starter Within Two Years”. And a Next Gen Stats rating of 80 which is considered “Good”. The Jaguars chose Walker anyway.
Hutchinson took a stab at the Jaguars while talking to reporters.
Aidan Hutchinson On Jaguars Picking Walker Over Him:
“It was weird. I thought I was going there for about three months and then about a week before the draft, something changed. I guess my arms were just not quite long enough. But that hit a week before the draft, so we’ll see if that extra couple inches was the difference.”
Via – 97.1 The Ticket
The Michigan native goes on to say he is happy with the way things turned out.
“I don’t know, I guess they just didn’t really see me in their system, and that’s fine by me. Detroit did, so I’m here now and I’m happy.”
Via – 97.1 The Ticket
Hutchinson By The Numbers:
- Aidan Hutchinson leads all rookies in total pressures (31), and sacks (5.5).
- He is second among rookies in hurries (21) and is PFF’s highest-graded rookie Edge.
- He is also the only player in the NFL with at least five sacks and two interceptions.
- Hutchinson earned Defensive Rookie Of The Month for December.
- Here’s NFL Rookie Watch’s comparison to Myles Garrett.
What Lions’ Fans Have To Say About Hutchinson:
