2022 NFL Draft: Grading Lions’ No. 2 pick of Aidan Hutchinson
The Detroit Lions selected Michigan football’s Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick and here’s our grade of the pick.
It didn’t take the Detroit Lions long to decide on their selection with the No. 2 overall pick. But it was obvious that once the Jaguars selected Travon Walker out of Georgia, the Lions wanted Michigan football’s Aidan Hutchinson and they got him.
Mel Kiper of ESPN continued to say that Hutchinson was the No. 1 overall player on his board and the 6-foot-6 defensive end was the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy race after finishing with over 13 sacks and leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship as well as their first win over Ohio State since the 2011 season.
Grade of Detriot Lions Pick of Aidan Hutchinson: A+
Some scouts and analysts had Hutchinson lower on the board and obviously below Walker due to a supposed lack of upside. However, Hutchinson tested really well at the combine and actually tested better than the Bosa and Watt brothers.
Hutchinson also had incredible leadership skills and character. He seems like a Dan Campbell guy too. Hutchinson isn’t someone you have to worry about being motivated. He loves the game and the Lions are going to get every ounce of effort he has in their rebuild.
Detroit used the No. 2 overall pick on Ndamukong Suh and it paid immediate dividends. His career in Detroit didn’t last as long as the Lions are hoping Hutchinson’s will and that he’ll change the culture in a similar way. He adds an immediate playmaker to a defense in desperate need of one.
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And short of a franchise quarterback, you can’t do better than that especially if Hutchinson turns into the dominant pass rusher he’s expected to be.