NFL Draft Profile: Christopher Hinton, Defensive Linemen, Michigan Wolverines

NFL draft profile scouting report for Michigan Defensive Linemen, Christopher Hinton

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#15
POS: DL
Ht: 6035
Wt: 305
Hands: 1048
Arms: 3238
40: 5.28
Vertical: 31.5
Broad Jump: 0810
DOB:
Eligibility: 2022
John Creeks, GA
Greater Atlanta Christian School

Christopher Hinton
Michigan Wolverines

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One-Liner:

Defensive tackle with a strong lower half who lacks explosiveness and urgency.

Pros:

Displaying the versatility to line up all over the interior defensive line from 5-technique to a true nose, Hinton has a filled-out lower half. This thick lower body translates to very good strength in that area which allows him to anchor in the run game and absorb blows from the side. Hinton controls the line of scrimmage at extension and possesses strong hands to enforce his will on blockers when deconstructing. Moving well laterally, he keeps his pads low and stays square while at extension. As a pass rusher, Hinton has above average leg drive and bull rushing ability to push the pocket. He keeps working to win late in plays. His club and chop moves are strong. Hinton is a sure tackler who wraps up reliably. 

Cons:

As a limited athlete, Hinton lacks straight-line explosiveness to create knockback. His first step is slow and he often fails to time the snap to his advantage. When rushing the passer, he lacks urgency and violence, letting blockers attack his frame due to slow and predictable hands. That same lack of tenacity hurts his effort in the run game as he fails to get upfield to make plays in the backfield. Hinton can have his upper body twisted by double teams and has inconsistent timing when he sheds.

Summary:

Defensive tackle with a strong lower half, good pad level and poor explosiveness. Hinton has strong hands to enforce his will and can move laterally while staying square. He lacks explosiveness and urgency, preventing him from making plays consistently. Hinton projects as a developmental nose tackle who has to gain more weight and play with tenacity to be an early down contributor.

Background:

Born on September 14th, 2000, Christopher Hinton attended Greater Atlanta Christian High School in Norcross, Georgia as a dual-sport athlete in football and basketball. His father, also named Chris Hinton, was a seven-time Pro Bowler as an offensive lineman. The younger Hinton dominated in high school, racking up 168 total tackles and nine sacks throughout his tenure. Hinton’s performance earned him multiple accolades, including MaxPreps first-team All-American honors as a sophomore and an invitation to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was rated a five-star prospect in the 2019 class per the 247Sports Composite and received offers from multiple top-tier programs. Hinton committed to Michigan over the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Florida, and more. He jumped right in and received playing time on the defensive line and special teams, though his impact was limited. Hinton earned more of an opportunity as a sophomore in 2020, making 13 tackles with two for a loss and one sack. He erupted during the 2021 season, claiming a starting spot on the defensive line for all 14 games. Hinton accumulated 33 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. His performances saw him named an All-Big Ten performer and earned him Defensive Player of the Week honors twice. Hinton has since decided to forgo any remaining college eligibility and enter the 2022 NFL Draft. Given his pedigree, recruitment out of high school, and experience at a top college program, Hinton is expected to be an early day-three selection.

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Grades:

Current Player Value/Potential Player Value

3rd Round