It was probably inevitable and reported to be happening, but Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson made his pre-draft visit to the Lions facility on Monday.
For many, Aidan Hutchinson is the no-brainer pick at No. 2 overall for the Detroit Lions. So even as he attended the team’s local Pro Day, and pre-draft visit on his own was inevitable. Reported a few days ago, the Michigan defensive end made the trip to Allen Park on Monday.
For a time, Hutchinson had been seen as the most likely choice for the Jacksonville Jaguars with the first overall pick. But more recent momentum points elsewhere, toward either head coach Doug Pederson’s preference for offense (surely a tackle to protect Trevor Lawrence) or general manager Trent Baalke’s effort to try to prove he’s the smartest guy in the room by drafting high-end traits and potential over college production (Travon Walker).
In any case, Hutchinson now has better odds of being available to the Lions at second overall than he seemed to a couple weeks ago.
Aidan Hutchinson looks like ideal fit for the Lions
If the Jaguars do get cute and pass on Hutchinson, fortune would smile on the Lions–on and off the field. Hutchinson set the Wolverines’ single-season sack record last season, highlighted by an three-sack undressing of Ohio State’s offensive line to end the regular season.
Along with following in his father’s footsteps to play collegiately in Ann Arbor, Hutchinson was born in Plymouth, Michigan. As noted by Kyle Meinke of MLive, he played his high school ball just seven miles from the Lions’ facility.
Hutchinson seems like a perfect culture fit for the Lions, a “Dan Campbell kind of player” if you will. If the Lions draft him, his jersey will fly off the in-person and internet shelves. A glance at the roster seems to show his number at Michigan (#97) is available.
Hutchinson as a Lion would be an immediate dream for everyone in the organization, from the front office and coaching staff to the marketing department. Now if those pesky Jaguars just don’t get in the way….