Sadarius Hutcherson NFL Draft Prospect Report

IOL/OG, South Carolina

Time to talk about the big men who make the game possible. Imagine a running back with no HOGS up front. Wouldn’t get very far would he? As a former lineman I tend to love talking about the unsung heroes. This year the offensive line class has a lot of early round talent. Due to that, I think we are seeing a few lineman that would normally be a bit higher rated slipping. A few weeks ago most sites had Hutcherson as an undrafted free agent. Now I’m seeing him moving up into the seventh and even late sixth.

Introduction

Sadarius is a big thick man standing at 6’4” 320lbs. As a fifth year senior he moved to left guard and started all ten games for the Gamecocks and led an offensive line that produced it’s first 1,000 yard rusher in 8 years. He has played at both guard spots. Hutcherson also played at left tackle adding to his versatility. He is an athletically gifted player who has been reported bench pressing 560lbs when he was only 19 and benching 225lbs over 40 reps by teammates. Lets not forget a supposed 650-700lb squat and a 31.3 inch vertical leap. He was a team strength and conditioning winner as an underclassman. This man can move some defensive players.

Positives

I don’t see him beaten often on film, but when he is he seems to do a good job resetting his feet and using his strength to recover and hold his blocks in the pass game. Another thing I like from film is I rarely see him make the wrong read on blitz pickups. In the run game he is an earth mover and regularly gets to the second level to provide for his running backs. Every now and then he whiffs on smaller faster linebackers though. I love when he gets his hands on a guy though and you see him pushing a linebacker 15 yards down field for what seems like “Fun!”

Prediction

I believe he can excel in a power scheme that doesn’t ask him to pull too often. Scheme will be important though in dictating whether he becomes a starter someday or a high end reserve. Speed is not his strong suit. As a late round pick he has incredible upside, he would probably be a 4-5 rounder in previous seasons and he may even climb there still this year with a solid pro day performance. I have always enjoyed finding quality players in the later rounds and Sadarius is definitely that. One of my favorite sleeper prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. If I can get a potential starting guard or at worst a career backup who could fill in if needed in the 6th or 7th then sign me up. -Ken Noble

Jonah’s Thoughts

I know Sadarius is your boy Ken, but I’ll take a look at him too. Is it possible that he’s a distant relative of Steve Hutchinson who spells his name differently? If so, then take him in the 1st round. I’m guessing he’s not though. Back on topic, I like watching the big boys moving beef. It’s tougher to find film on offensive lineman, but I managed to find some.

Positives

Hutcherson likes to move people downfield and knock them on their butts. There were plays that weren’t successful, but it wasn’t because of Hutcherson, he was busy moving his guy out of frame. I saw him successfully pull a few times as well, and he got there in time. He’s a big boy, 320 lbs., but his athleticism is impressive as he was able to get to where he needed to be and throw a block. He also has experience at both right and left guard, so it’s good to know he feels comfortable on both sides. 

Nastiness

Two years ago at the NFL Combine I asked a lot of offensive lineman about what being “nasty” meant to them. It was a trait coach Mike Zimmer was looking for in his offensive line. Sadarius Hutcherson is probably the nastiest offensive lineman I’ve seen. I love his game. He wants to hit people and he doesn’t want to stop. Hutcherson’s arms are a little short, but he’s a guard not a tackle so I’m not worried, I’m sure he can still box with God. He needs to work on his balance, but Hutcherson has a ton of potential and a ton to love. I’ve fallen in love with this guy. I’d be happy taking him in the 4th round. Worst case scenario you have a backup who can play both guard positions. Best case, he becomes a dominating guard. You can’t teach the instincts he has. Hutcherson went undrafted and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Don’t forget us when you win a ring.