Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2023 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at wide receiver, running back, cornerback and both interior and edge pass rusher.
The Vikings are slated to have four picks before compensatory selections are awarded and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Xavier Hutchinson
- Height-6’3″
- Weight-210 lbs
- Senior
- 3-Star JUCO recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 254 receptions, 2,929 yards, 15 touchdowns
- Games watched: Texas 2021, Oklahoma State 2021, Kansas 2022, Iowa 2022
Strengths
The big-bodied receiver is a talented player. He plays every bit as tall as he is at 6’3″. Hutchinson understands how to use his frame to his advantage by positioning it well and shield the defender from the ball. Hutchinson also uses his frame well to create space and not just shield defenders.
For someone as big as Hutchinson, he has very quick and nimble feet. He uses them to run crisp routes and get off the line of scrimmage quickly and with ease.
He does a great job tracking the football down the field and uses excellent body control in going after the football. Hutchinson also has good hands. He doesn’t use his body often and catches the ball with his hands.
Weaknesses
The biggest issue with Hutchinson is speed. On tape, he struggles to get separation with speed. The 40-yard dash will be crucial for him. Anything in the 4.5’s or better is a big win for him. A true one-speed player that doesn’t have a second gear that helps him in the open field.
When in the open field, Hutchinson lacks elusiveness. He struggles to evade tacklers and run through blocks. His athletic profile is his biggest issue.
Overview
| Hands | 8.4/10 |
| Release | 8.1/10 |
| Route Running | 12.5/15 |
| Separation | 11.6/15 |
| Contested Catches | 8.9/10 |
| Tracking | 8.4/10 |
| Body Control | 8.4/10 |
| YAC Ability | 6.7/10 |
| Agility | 7.1/10 |
| Grade | 80.1/100 Second Round |
The Iowa State standout reminds me of Michael Thomas in how he wins: physicality, route running and body positioning. He will be a really good player in the NFL, but his draft stock will be lower than most due to his limited athletic profile. That is something that will hinder his ceiling, but he will win with size technique and that will make him successful.
For the Vikings, he would provide some much-needed size and strength to the receiving group. His route tree would be a good complement to what the Vikings have and he could step in day one and be a contributor.
