The 5 most valuable Detroit Lions from the 2022 season

Defensive End Aidan Hutchinson

The second overall pick in the draft last April, Hutchinson lived up to and exceeded the hype that made the Lions draft him so high. Hutchinson set the tone off the edge, accounting for 9.5 sacks and three interceptions. He was relentless in pursuit of the quarterback, oftentimes getting his sacks on second effort. He showcased quick burst and elite hands at the line scrimmage that made him a challenge for offensive lines to handle.

Hutchinson has provided the organization with a cornerstone to build their team around. Not only is he a leader on the field with his play and communication, but he is a locker room favorite with the team, embracing the hard work culture head coach Dan Campbell wants this team to adopt. The Lions struck gold with Hutchinson.

Edge Rusher James Houston

Houston played just seven games this season after being initially cut by the team and landing back on the practice, but he made an instant impact. He had eight sacks in those seven games, providing another edge rusher to complement Hutchinson. The Lions went 5-2 in the games Houston played in, giving up only 20.7 points per game. They gave up 28.2 points per game without him.

It seems odd to say one of the most valuable players on the Lions this season was one who didn’t even play until Thanksgiving. But there is no denying the impact that Houston had on this defense. If he can maintain anywhere close to that level of play in the years to come, the Lions will be proven to have found a late-round gem.