It became a no-brainer, but the Detroit Lions got out of the own way and indeed took Aidan Hutchinson No. 2 overall.
As buzz moved toward Travon Walker being the No. 1 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, it became possible for the Detroit Lions to land Aidan Hutchinson. Walker was indeed the No. 1 overall pick, and it was not long before television coverage said the Lions had the pick in at No. 2.
The Lions indeed took Hutchinson second overall, thus keeping the Michigan native and former Michigan Wolverine home. He played his high school football less than 10 miles from the Lions’ facility in Allen Park.
Hutchinson set the Michigan single-season record last year with 14, notably highlighted by a three-sack demolition of Ohio State’s offensive line.
At 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds, Hutchinson put his athleticism on display at the NFL Combine (4.71 40, 6.73-second three-cone drill, 4.15 20-yard shuttle). He has drawn comps like Jared Allen, Maxx Crosby and Chris Long.
Aidan Hutchinson is an ideal all-around fit for the Detroit Lions
The Lions need pash rush help, so Hutchinson will obviously help there as they shift toward using more multiple defensive fronts next season. Hutchinson’s work ethic and motor are also perfect for head coach Dan Campbell’s “knee-biting” culture.
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Hutchinson Lions’ jerseys are sure to start flying off brick-and-mortar and internet shelves. Even though he’s a defensive player, the marketing department now has someone to highlight based on his talent and the local angle.
Through their history, the Lions have made plenty of draft mistakes due to chasing needs or perhaps vastly overthinking things. They had several options at No. 2 overall, some seemingly more ideal than others. Hutchinson simply landed in their laps after the Jaguars took Walker.
Credit to general manager Brad Holmes for making the easy and most ideal pick, and wasting little time to officially make Hutchinson a Detroit Lion.