Pats Pulpit
Even after signing free agent Dre’Mont Jones in March, the New England Patriots had an apparent need along their defensive edge. The draft was an obvious spot to address it, and the team did so twice: after selecting Gabe Jacas in the second round, it also added Quintayvious Hutchins in the seventh.
Unlike Jacas, however, Hutchins is no lock to be on the roster come the regular season. In fact, he very much finds himself on the bubble.
Name: Quintayvious Hutchins
Position: Defensive edge/Outside linebacker
Jersey number: 45
Opening day age: 23 (4/2/2003)
Measurements: 6’2 7/8”, 245 lbs, 9 1/2” hand size, 32 5/8” arm length, 81 1/8” wingspan, 4.74s 40-yard dash, 7.34s 3-cone drill, 4.61s short shuttle, 37” vertical jump, 9’4” broad jump, 5.49 Relative Athletic Score
NFL: New England Patriots (2026-) | College: Boston College (2022-25)
A three-star recruit out of Bessemer City High School in Bessemer, AL, Hutchins originally committed to Murray State. However, an incoming offer from Boston College made him change his mind and join the Eagles instead. He went on to spend his entire five-year college career in Chestnut Hill, appearing in 43 games with 16 starts. Along the way, he registered 72 tackles, 5.5 sacks and a pair of interceptions.
In addition to his defensive contributions, Hutchins also spent some time on offense. In 2022, he transitioned from the defensive edge to tight end but played only a single snap on that side of the ball. He moved back to defense the following year and remained on that side ever since, playing a combined 829 defensive snaps over his final two seasons.
Strengths: Hutchins is a stocky defender, who added 12 pounds to his frame since the Combine. He has some good burst and decent quickness, and plays with an active set of hands to complement his adequate length. He has shown fundamental edge-setting skills and is a good tackler, who doesn’t come in too aggressively to take himself out of plays. He also comes with an extensive special teams résumé, having seen action on five units during his time at Boston College.
Weaknesses: Hutchins is on the smaller side and does not have any defining athletic traits to hang his hat on. As a pass rusher, he oftentimes gets stymied on initial contact and lacks an advanced repertoire of counters to free himself once engaged or moved out of position. His production – 5.5 sacks in 16 games as a starter — has been underwhelming. His balance as a run defender can also be challenged and he has had his issues with penalties, getting flagged eight times in 2025 alone.
Stats: 10 games (9 starts) | 418 defensive snaps, 81 special teams snaps | 35 tackles, 3 missed tackles (7.9%), 1.5 TFL | 25 QB pressures (2 sacks, 7 hit, 16 hurries) | 4 targets, 3 catches surrendered (75.0%), 26 yards | 8 penalties (incl. 0 declined/offsetting)
Season recap: Coming off...
