Aidan Hutchinson's Arm Length Could Be Concerning for NFL Teams

Aidan Hutchinson's arm length measurement could be concern for some NFL teams.

The measurements taken at the NFL combine can become a very big deal for personnel departments across the league. 

Earlier this week, quarterback Kenny Pickett's small hand size sent the internet into a frenzy. 

Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was rumored to have below-average arm length prior to the combine.

On Saturday morning, his official arm length measurement was revealed. Hutchinson's arm length was measured officially at 32 1/8 inches. 

His sub 33-inch arm length is notable, as he will be tasked with defending against the fiercest right tackles in the league on a weekly basis. 

Any disadvantage would give opposing offenses an edge in protecting their quarterback. 

According to former NFL scout Daniel Kelly, “Arm length is important for defensive linemen for the purpose of deflecting passes and creating separation from blockers at the point of attack. A scout would be asking themselves if Hutchinson’s shorter arm length will cause issues for him creating separation at the point and keeping blockers off of him.”

Kayvon Thibodeaux says playing football is similar to game of chess 

The talented defensive end out of Oregon, who will be among the players Lions fans covet if the team opts not to pick Hutchinson, says the game of football is akin to playing chess. 

“Chess is life, and chess is football. You talk about doing your first move, and your first move is going to set up your second move, then your third move ahead,” Thibodeaux told reporters on Friday. “When you talk about pass rush, I’m going to hit you with speed first. I always hit you with speed, speed, speed. That’s going to set up my power moves, and then my power moves are going to set up my counter.”

On Saturday, Thibodeaux's arm length measurement was 33.5 inches. 

32 1/8 is official measurement. It's not a disqualifier, but it is notable. https://t.co/6WIUysIx2J

— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) March 5, 2022

There will be some clubs that aren’t happy with that arm length. We did a study when I was w/Bears and the common denominator with top pass rushers isn’t speed but rather arm length

— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) March 5, 2022