Aidan Hutchinson resides in the state of Michigan.
With the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions chose Hutchinson.
The Michigan edge-back exploded onto the scene after an impressive 2021 season in Ann Arbor. After hitting just 4.5 sacks in his last 16 starts, Hutchinson was asked to play more of a stand-up pass rusher role last season, and he absolutely succeeded. His 16.5 sacks broke a Michigan football record, and his 93.3 PFF pass rushing rating was the best of any power-five edge defender. According to PFF and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, he is the #1 pick in this draft.
He’s also a much-needed upgrade for the Lions’ lackluster passing rush. Detroit ranked 30th in sacks and 29th in compression percentage last season. He will be fighting for a starting job alongside the likes of Charles Harris and Romeo Okwara, the latter of whom is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon in Week 4.
Hutchinson wins with an incredible engine and a relentless attitude. He’s also an above-average run defender. All of these qualities must surely have endeared him to Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
If there’s one weakness in Hutchinson’s game, it’s his short arm length, which can get him into trouble when offensive tackles get their hands on him. However, his stubborn playstyle sometimes gets him out of trouble.
Here’s what our own Erik Schlitt had to say about Hutchinson in his plea to the Lions to draft him:
Hutchinson may not have the elite edge-rusher flex taken at the helm of previous designs, but he’s a technician, and his hands are married to his feet and move in unison. He attacks the edge with force, preferring to initiate contact first, which allows him to control the interaction. His engine never stops, and he’s constantly hand-fighting, flexing his feet, and working on his angles when fighting offensive linemen. When in his game, he can overwhelm even the best offensive tackles.
Welcome to Detroit, Aidan!
Lion’s remaining picks
- Round 1, Pick 32 (32 total) – By Rams
- Round 2, Pick 2 (34 total)
- Round 3, pick 2 (66th overall)
- Round 3, Pick 33 (97th overall)
- Round 5, Pick 34 (177th overall)
- Round 6, Pick 2 (181st overall)
- Round 6, pick 39 (217th overall)
Remaining Top Needs for Lions:
- linebacker
- security
- edge defender
- wide receiver
- Close end
- quarterback
- Defensive tackle
- Guard
NFL draft schedule
day 1
When: Thursday, April 28 – 8 p.m. ET
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Online streaming: ESPN.com, NFL.com
POD Live Show: twitch.tv/prideofdetroit
day 2
What: Rounds 2, 3
When: Friday, April 29 – 7 p.m. ET
From where: Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, NV
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Online streaming: ESPN.com, NFL.com
POD Live Show: twitch.tv/prideofdetroit
day 3
What: Rounds 4-7
When: Saturday, April 30 – Noon ET
From where: Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, NV
TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Online streaming: ESPN.com, NFL.com
POD Live Show: twitch.tv/prideofdetroit