Carolina Panthers draft: 5 Big Ten players on the radar in 2021

Carolina Panthers Prospect No. 4: Aidan Hutchinson (EDGE) – Michigan

If the Carolina Panthers are looking for an additional pass-rushing option during day two of the 2021 NFL Draft. Then Aidan Hutchinson is a player worth noting.

The Michigan edge rusher is relatively inexperienced at the position. But what he has put together so far has been highly impressive.

The Panthers should look no further than Hutchinson’s film against 2020 first-round pick Tristan Wirfs last season as a strong indicator of the sort of tools he brings to the table. The player more than held his own against one of college football’s best protectors. And there is nothing to suggest that he cannot get better with more coaching at the next level.

Hutchinson has a high motor that has relied heavily on power to get the better of opposing linemen so far. More will be needed in the NFL. But if he can add more pass-rushing moves to his repertoire, it is going to aid his chances of forging a successful career in the pros.

The player is also versatile enough to slot in on the interior and make a difference. This sort of versatility has become a hallmark of the Panthers’ initial stages of their rebuild. So this is another thing that makes Hutchinson a good fit for the franchise.

Although he only has 13 starts to his name, Hutchinson has recorded 81 combined tackles, 41 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. And the best is definitely still to come from his perspective.