Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, I hoped and prayed that the Jacksonville Jaguars would crap the bed and select a player other than Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 1 overall pick.
Well, that is exactly what happened as the Jaguars made what I believe is a decision they will regret as they selected EDGE Travon Walker out of Georgia.
The reason why I was thrilled that the Jaguars passed on Hutchinson was not that I am a Michigan fan (I admittedly am), but because I truly believe Hutch will be the perfect fit for the Detroit Lions, who selected him with the No. 2 overall pick.
In an article published on NFL.com, Marc Ross takes a look at 10 draft picks who are in the best situation to succeed, not only in 2022 but beyond that.
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From NFL.com
Hutchinson’s transition should be nearly seamless as he stays in Michigan. Coming into the league with a polished skill set and immense talent, this Wolverines product is poised to wreak havoc for a Lions defensive front that desperately needed more juice. From Day 1, he’ll step in as the best player on the defense, feeding off the energy Dan Campbell exudes and immediately raising the level of everyone around him.
This was a best-case scenario for Detroit — and it will be for Hutchinson, too. The proof will be apparent early on and could result in Defensive Rookie of the Year honors come February.
Ross also included Michigan OLB David Ojabo on his list. Ojabo, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 45 overall pick.
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OK, this might not be an instant impact, but the longer play is extremely promising. The Ravens have regularly developed playmakers and produced Pro Bowlers, and the defense is stable enough in the short term to allow Ojabo time to recover from his Achilles injury.
The second-round pick is in a perfect situation as he reunites with new Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who helped Ojabo blossom into a double-digit sack menace in 2021 at Michigan. With a full recovery and time to refine his skill set, Ojabo should wreak havoc off the edge early in his career.
Nation, which 2022 NFL Draft pick do you believe is in the best situation to succeed?
