2021 NFL Draft: Rashod Bateman leads prospects to watch in Minnesota vs. Michigan

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bateman scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bateman scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect Aiden Hutchinson. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

Hutchinson burst onto the scene for the Wolverines as a sophomore in 2019 recording 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. At 6-foot-6 and 269 pounds, Hutchinson can play virtually anywhere on the defensive line giving Michigan tons of versatility with their front four. Being able to kick inside as well as rush the passer from the edge is a big positive when evaluating his projection to the next level.

Hutchinson does not wow you with speed but his knowledge of leverage and how to attack opposing blockers is a main factor in how he wins. His work ethic has garnered tons of attention from other players and staff members at Michigan. According to Ann Arbor News, linebacker Josh Ross said of Hutchinson, “That dude is an animal… Brings it every single day. Just a guy you want to be around. A leader on our team”.

His potential may not be as high as some of the guys on this list but he has definitely emerged as a prospect worth mentioning. He and Paye will look to get after Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan all night as they look to improve their draft stock. Can Hutchinson live up to the hype?