The Michigan Wolverines saw their impressive season cut short by the Georgia Bulldogs during the College Football Playoff semifinals, but the team accomplished a lot during the 2021 season. Arguably the Wolverines' best player, Aidan Hutchison, enjoyed a fantastic season in Ann Arbor. With the NFL Draft looming, Hutchison, who is projected as an early first-round pick, and potentially the No. 1 overall selection, announced his decision to turn pro via Twitter.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that Hutchison has decided to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. His draft stock is as high as it can possibly get, and he figures to be one of the first names called on Draft Day.

The departure of Hutchison will be a big blow for the Michigan defense. In 2021, Hutchison recorded 62 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles. It was a huge bounce-back season for the senior after he was limited to just two games in 2020 after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured leg. Clearly, he didn't lose a step in his return.

His 2021 season was more than enough to reassure NFL scouts that he is one of the best available players coming out of the college ranks in 2022, and any organization that gets their hands on him will be adding a marquee talent to their defensive line.

In Hutchison's heartfelt statement, the star defender thanked his coaches, teammates, and the loyal Michigan fans for what he described as the “best time of my life.” Across four seasons in Ann Arbor, Hutchison recorded 156 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, and 17.5 sacks.