Hutchinson’s arms measured at 32 1/8". Kayvon Thibodeaux’s arm length is 33 1/8". The top OL in this draft all measure at 34". That seems like a red flag to me.
In the article, a former scouting director mentions that, in his study, the most important characteristic that determined success with top pass rushers on the line of scrimmage wasn’t speed but actually arm length.
For those more in the know–is this a concern the board isn’t discussing enough?
The data suggests that it is. Arm length is key to getting leverage.
Thibs are fine, right at the average (same as Von Miller’s, basically).
Hutch’s are on the lower end but there’s other edge guys who’ve succeeded with arms that short. Jared Allen’s were 32 inches even. Freeney’s were 32 1/8, Melvin Ingram’s are 31.5. I’m not overly worried about Hutch’s arm length.
On the other side of the ball Sewell and Slater have shorter than ideal arms too. Some pundits even said Slater would need to be moved to guard because of it
I know a lot of dudes on here might make a big deal about an extra inch, but really, it is all about how you use it.
err…them… all about how you use them.
True. Sewell was still 33 1/4, though.
yep… how about these guys…
Elvis… had 105 career sacks. Had 1/2 inch longer arm and was 7 inches shorter than Hutch.
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Barkevious Mingo… 12.5 career sacks… arms long enough to grab his paycheck from the sideline.
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Interesting that Jared Allen is there… I can see a comp to Hutch.
Doesn’t seem to be a problem. I haven’t heard anyone calling him T-Rex yet.
Yep, I’ve not seen any evidence or correlation between arm length and success.
Aaron Donald’s arm length is 32-5/8", Tyson Jackson’s were 33-1/2", both played DE in a 3-4.
Interesting this is the year of the body measurement over the physical test. And I’ve always believed to some degree that physical measurements are just a nice tool to use. But sure is a lot more damn meaningful than a body measurement. Anyways, give me cranial diameter. I like the smart guys.
The league has always cared about this stuff though, or at least they have in the era of the combine. Some have thresholds that if they aren’t met, the prospects get completely removed from their boards. One notable one was outside corners in Seattle had to have at least 32-inch arms. They’ve shifted away from that as they play less cover-3, but for awhile it made them easier to mock players to.
His arm length is why he has learned to be so savvy. It’s not like he’s a one trick pony with his pass rush. He already has a pass rush arsenal and he will only get better in the NFL.
Right now I’m in the Hutchinson camp but I did like what I saw from Thibs during the combine (and interviews). I want to go back and really watch him a lot closer.
Make sure you watch some of 2020 and 2019, not just this past season. He put some electric stuff on tape.
To be fair, that quote was also from a former Bears scout.
So , Hutch’s Arm Length isn’t that far off of Aaron Donald’s…
Length matters and it is a concern. Especially for a guy who wins by hand usage.
I still don’t think it would sway me from taking him at 2OA.
It might be enough for the Lions to pass though. They rely heavily on analytics.
I’ve mentioned several times on the board that Hutch reminds me of Allen. They are very similar players.
That’s what your hoping for when you take Hutch if you ask me.
KT is a more naturally talented pass rusher than Hutch. Always has been and always will be. But Aidan is a foundational culture piece, 90% of KT as a pass rusher and more well rounded. Pass rush is like power hitting. It’s an overshadowing tool. Therefore I think preference in either is justifiable 
Tbh Amon-Ra is what nudged me towards Hutch. I was always pro KT.
I believe KT came in 2nd place amongst DE on the Bench Press with 27, which was Outstanding.
Hutch declined, and will Bench Press at his Pro Day, which could be interesting.
On visual sight only, IMO, Hutch looks a little bigger and has held the Edge very good when asked. He appears more stout at the POA, while KT is more Gumby. I believe Hutch has more moves, better technique, and stronger hands than KT, too. Both excel at chasing down ball carriers.