Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Aidan Hutchinson makes immediate impact in Lions debut

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 8/12/22

The Detroit Lions took local kid Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to help fortify their previously struggling defense under head coach Dan Campbell.

Hutchinson’s selection was in no way a surprise. He was an All-American performer for the Michigan Wolverines and was considered one of the better edge pass-rush prospects in years leading up to the annual event.

With Hutchinson making his NFL preseason debut Friday against the Atlanta Falcons, he more than flashed that very same brilliance that defined the young man’s tenure with the Wolverines. That included bringing down Falcons running back Qadree Ollison for a two-yard loss in his first set of reps on defense.

The No. 2 pick making his presence known early @aidanhutch97

: #ATLvsDET on @NFLNetwork (check local listings)
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/J4YYZSADjC pic.twitter.com/Sf3YjLIJjl
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2022

That type of explosion is not normal for somone who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 265 pounds. It’s just special raw skill. Again, this isn’t a surprise given Hutchinson’s standout performance with Michigan last season.

Aidan Hutchinson stats (2021): 62 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

The Lions are hoping that there’s no real learning curve for Hutchinson as a rookie. Last season under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, this unit yielded 27.5 points per game (31st in the NFL). It also allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw 31 touchdowns while recording a mere 30 sacks.

As a top-end NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate , Aidan Hutchinson is seemingly prepared to make an immediate impact starting Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: