Xavier Hutchinson NFL Draft Scouting Report

WR, Iowa State Cyclones

Xavier Hutchinson is a redshirt senior receiver who is one of the most decorated receivers in this draft. Hutchinson leaves college as a three-time Big 12 All-American, 2022 AP All-American, and a Biletnikoff Award finalist (2022). Hutchinson finished the 2022 season with 107 receptions, 1,171 yards, and six touchdowns. Year in and year out, he was Iowa State’s No. 1 receiving option and consistently produced at a high level. 

Hutchinson is a versatile receiver that has the ability to play both on the outside and in the slot and make plus-level plays. Hutchinson profiles as a well-rounded receiver that understands the nuance and detail of playing the position. At the snap, Hutchinson has a variance of release packages and can win with both speed and quickness or strength when necessary. In his route, Hutchinson shows the importance of tempo and changing pace. Hutchinson does a good job of throwing mixed tempos at defensive backs to keep them off rhythm. He showcases both great start/stop ability and the ability to instantly make lateral cuts, which helps him uncover from defenders. Because of these skill sets, Hutchinson can work the slot and uncover in zone defense or he has the ability to play on the outside and be an effective receiver there. 

Hutchinson’s best attribute as a player is his ability to track the ball and make difficult catches. From game to game, Hutchinson has shown the ability to track the ball from difficult angles and routinely make the difficult catch. Hutchinson also does a good job of contouring his body to be able to adjust to the track of the ball and make the play. In contested situations, Hutchinson has the ability to concentrate on the ball despite the defender being in close proximity and coming down with the catch. Hutchinson got plenty of opportunities in one-on-one situations, whether it was end-zone fades, back-shoulder throws, or down-the-field shots. Hutchinson consistently converted the 50/50 plays into high-percentage plays.

Hutchinson’s concerns as a receiver center around his down-the-field speed and ability to separate vertically. Hutchinson does a good job of releasing into his route and stacking defensive backs vertically, but there appears to be a lack of top-end speed to continue to separate and defensive backs have the opportunity to get back in phase. This also affects underneath routes because defensive backs don’t fear the vertical routes—they will sit on underneath routes in an attempt to jump them.

Top Reasons to Buy In:

• Contested catch/body control 
• Route-running 
• Hands
• Career production 

Top Reasons For Concern: 

• Ability to be a vertical threat  
• Explosiveness

Size (NFL Combine):

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 203 lbs

Arm Length: 31 3/8”

Hand Size: 9 3/8”

Athletic Testing (NFL Combine):

40-yard Dash: 4.53s

Vertical Jump: 36”

Broad Jump: 9’8”

Short-Shuttle: 4.35s

Three-Cone: 6.91s

Bench Reps: TBD

Ideal Role: Versatile receiver 

Scheme Fit: Scheme versatile 

TDN Consensus Grade:80.50/100 (Second-Round Value)

• Sanchez Grade: 80.50/100

Written By: Keith Sanchez 

Exposures: Baylor (2022), Oklahoma (2022),  Texas (2022), Iowa (2022)

Xavier Hutchinson NFL Draft Scouting Report. Add him to your big board here.