Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft: Reactions and pick grades

Round 1, No. 2 overall: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

After the Jacksonville Jaguars took Travon Walker with the first pick, it became pretty obvious the Michigan product was going to stay home and land to Detroit. Brad Holmes and company wasted no time turning in the card to make Aidan Hutchinson a Lion.

In Hutchinson the Lions are getting a complete fit, not just as a player for their scheme, but as a person in the locker room. He is the quintessential personality Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell are looking for.

Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was especially excited to land Hutchinson.

Hutchinson is expected to become a leader in the locker room and to bolster the defensive line right away. Just like Penei Sewell in the 2021 draft for the offensive line.

Hutchinson was deemed the safest pick in the draft by the highest floor. He is a very good run defender who excels at setting the edge and stacking and shedding blocks. Not to discredit his pass-rush ability, because he possesses an elite ability to convert speed to power, which helped him be such a prolific pass rusher at the college level.

Glenn mentioned Hutchinson’s versatility as something that stood out, as he can play as a true edge or move inside and play some 3-technique as well.

All in all, Hutchinson is a very well-rounded prospect who will contribute on and off the field for the Lions immediately. Anytime you can land a blue-chip prospect at a premium position who can step in and become the face of your defense, you have to take them.

Grade: A