After just one season, it is quite apparent that emerging defensive star Aidan Hutchinson is everything the Lions had envisioned when they selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
In order to land the powerful defensive end, Detroit needed Jacksonville to pass on him at No. 1. Rather than nab the former Michigan star, the Jaguars instead drafted Georgia’s Travon Walker with the top selection, enabling the Lions to land the hometown talent.
According to a report from All Lions, Hutchinson is grateful Jacksonville passed on drafting him.
“I’m happy here. Very thankful, very thankful,” Hutchinson told reporters. “I mean, it all worked out. It was divine timing. The way things went was the way things were supposed to go.”
Since both clubs are participating in joint practices this week ahead of their Saturday preseason clash, it was easy to hear a response from Jaguars coach Doug Pederson. The Super Bowl LII-winning coach raved about Hutchinson, stopping just short of admitting that his club made a mistake passing up the former Wolverine standout.
“Obviously a great player. Did our due diligence and really studied him and all the top EDGE rushers last year. And, the way he came out and played obviously in our game and the way he, what 9.5 sacks last year? Just a great performance for a young player, and obviously, the sky’s the limit,” Pederson said about Hutchinson. “He’s just going to continue to get better, and he really makes that defense a little more solid.”
Hutchinson immensely outperformed Walker in their rookie campaigns, leading all first-year players with 9.5 sacks. The 6’ 7” talent displayed special all-around skills, grabbing three interceptions while also recovering two fumbles. He finished as the runner-up to Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner for 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
