Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft: Reactions and pick grades
By Zach Payne
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 28: Aidan Hutchinson poses onstage after being selected second by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 28: Aidan Hutchinson poses onstage after being selected second by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/983d31e3c2c4285dcb824dfaf5715003d16330782408e682a0221618b82963ad.jpg)
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.
Lions DC Aaron Glenn on Hutchinson: "We deserve this player, and this player deserves this coaching staff"
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) April 29, 2022
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.
Aidan Hutchinson among Big Ten Edge Rushers since 2019
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 28, 2022
🥇 93.7 overall grade (1st)
🥇 92.4 pass rush grade (1st)
🥇 91.8 run defense grade (1st)
🥇 126 total QB pressures (1st) pic.twitter.com/c9B2YM148g
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