Michigan hasn't produced the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft since 2008.
Aidan Hutchinson might change that at the 2022 NFL Draft, which runs April 28-30 in Las Vegas.
Hutchinson is coming off a monster year with the Wolverines. The Heisman Trophy finalist helped Michigan win its first Big Ten championship since 2004, and now he is projected by many to be the No. 1 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jake Long was the No. 1 pick in 2008, and Tom Harmon was the No. 1 pick in 1941.
Michigan produced eight NFL Draft picks in 2020, and Jim Harbaugh has done a nice job of developing more talent in Ann Arbor. SN's Vinnie Iyer projects seven Wolverines to be selected in his seven-round mock draft.
Here is a closer look at where each player might land:
NFL Michigan mock draft 2022
Aidan Hutchinson, Edge
- Jaguars, No. 1 overall, first round
Hutchinson was a force off the edge for the Wolverines. He had 14 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries last season, and he shot into the Heisman conversation after a dominant performance against Ohio State. The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder ran a 4.74 in the 40 at the NFL Combine. He’s also a charismatic leader. He should develop into a 10-sack player and Pro Bowl-caliber player sooner rather than later.
David Ojabo, Edge
- Titans, No. 26 overall, first round
Mike Vrabel puts aside his Ohio State ties and goes after Michigan’s other standout edge rusher. Ojabo had a breakout season with 11 sacks and eight quarterback hurries, and he’s a touch lighter than Hutchinson at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. Ojabo could slip down the board given he suffered a torn Achilles tendon at Michigan’s Pro Day, but the Titans are among the franchises that can afford that patience.
Daxton Hill, Safety
- Seahawks, No. 41 overall, second round
Hill has been a late riser, and he’s a first-rounder across several mocks. He delivered as a five-star recruit by becoming a consistent playmaker in the secondary for the Wolverines. He’s coming off a prolific season in which he had 69 tackles, two interceptions and eight pass breakups. He has a wide range at safety. Hill’s versatility is a plus, and he can fill that nickel role right away. Pete Carroll has a knack for finding the right safeties, and Hill would be perfect in Seattle.
Hassan Haskins, Running back
Titans, No. 131 overall, fourth round
Haskins was the hero of the Ohio State victory with five of his 20 TDs last season, and he finished with 1,327 yards on 4.9 yards per carry. There is nothing flashy about Haskins’ style. He’s a tough runner who makes one cut and gets yards after contact. He also ran out of the Wildcat at Michigan and does not waste time between the tackles. He will need to be more decisive at the next level, but he would stick in a place like Tennessee where he could learn behind Derrick Henry.
Brad Hawkins, Safety
- Bills, No. 231 overall, seventh round
Hawkins was a Harbaugh favorite at Michigan. He was a five-year player whose production went up with each season, and he had 60 tackles, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Hawkins could be a solid player in the right scheme, and Buffalo offers one of those fits. Hawkins is an intriguing Day 3 sleeper as a result.
Vincent Gray, Cornerback
- Chiefs, No. 243 overall, seventh round
Gray bounced back after a rough junior season to be a solid cornerback for the Wolverines in defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s scheme. Gray is lanky at 6-2, 192 pounds and he will make the occasional splash play cornerback. A 4.54-time in the 40 isn’t a dealbreaker, but Gray will have to work to keep his spot in training camp.
Chris Hinton, Defensive tackle
- Chargers, No. 260 overall, seventh round
Hinton was a five-star high school recruit and his father Chris was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. He had 32 tackles and one sack last season, but he’s not a consistent interior pass rusher. Hinton could emerge as a decent run stopper, and the talent and bloodline is there.
