This is a pretty common exercise in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. Even though one player appears to have run away with the top overall spot, smokescreens begin to pop up suggesting he’s not the guy. In 2021, it was Zach Wilson over Trevor Lawrence. In 2022 it’s Travon Walker creeping up on Aidan Hutchinson.

Walker is a stellar athlete who can be a very good player. He is not Hutchinson, however, which is why the Michigan All-American is currently a +150 underdog, per Tipico, to be anything but the first man off draft boards Thursday night. And while Walker’s athleticism and spot on a stacked Georgia team could be enough to make you forget about the 9.5 sacks in 29 career games (Hutchinson had 14 in 14 games last year), remember that the former Wolverine is historically quick as well:

Athleticism scores for the 2022 EDGE class are set.@UMichFootball's Aidan Hutchinson solidified his draft status by posting an "elite" athleticism score (93), driven by a 6.73-second 3-cone, the fastest time by any DL over 6-foot-5 at the combine since 2003.#NextGenScores pic.twitter.com/eqVFqM7cKX

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 6, 2022

The pick: Aidan Hutchinson No. 1 overall pick (+200).

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).