Buccaneers: 4 EDGE prospects to get younger defensively

2. Aidan Hutchinson – Michigan

Hutchinson is a very active defensive lineman with a huge frame at 6’6 269. As a sophomore in 2019, he had 68 tackles (34 solo), 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and six passes defended. As a junior in 2020, his season was cut short due to an injury.

With the injury, it might hurt his draft stock because it was a leg fracture but with the film and a great pro day, if it happens, he will be fine. Another thing that works in his favor, is his age, he will turn 21 during the first part of August next season. Typically juniors entering the NFL draft are 21 years old already by the time they are drafted. Here is a great story about how younger draftees play better from Michael Salfino.

If he declares for the draft, I would be happy to see the Bucs take him in the second round. The way he separates from his blocker and makes plays with his hands whether it be by tipped passes or forced fumbles will help replace Suh or potentially Gholston. A lot of where he goes in the draft is how he performs coming back from injury.