If the Lions’ preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons was a sign of things to come for Detroit in 2022, then the team is going to like what it gets out of Aidan Hutchinson during his rookie campaign.
In the 2022 No. 2 overall pick’s preseason debut, he logged 11 snaps, and showcased the ability to wreak havoc in an opponent’s backfield.
In all, the Michigan product posted a tackle for loss and a rush of Falcons signal-caller Marcus Mariota. Plus, the EDGE defender drew a holding call against veteran offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom while in pursuit of a scrambling Mariota.
Overall, it was a solid day from the first-year pro, who earned an 88.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts. Subsequently, Hutchinson was the highest-graded first-round rookie defender from Week 1 of the preseason.
“Hutchinson brought physicality whether lined up at the left or right end spots or when he kicked inside. He lined up over the left guard on third down, worked past the blocker’s inside shoulder to get into the backfield but the ball had already been released,” NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter explained. “Hutchinson couldn’t quite get to Mariota on a couple of other occasions, and Mariota made him pay for crashing down the line instead of keeping outside containment. The rookie’s hustle and movement skills were quite evident, though.”
Hutchinson plays with a high degree of tenacity and physicality, and he showcased vs. the Falcons that he’s going to be a handful for offensive lines to deal with for many years to come.
Although he’s played in just one exhibition contest, the rookie pass rusher feels like he’s already ready for the regular season to kick off.
“I’m ready to go. I think, I just want to get there,” Hutchinson commented, after the Lions’ joint practice with the Colts Thursday. “All the preseason, all the camp stuff, you know, it’s good getting better. But, man, you just want to get to that Week 1 and get into the season and get rolling. And, you’re just getting a little antsy. So, that’s how I feel.”
If the Lions’ preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons was a sign of things to come for Detroit in 2022, then the team is going to like what it gets out of Aidan Hutchinson during his rookie campaign.
In the 2022 No. 2 overall pick’s preseason debut, he logged 11 snaps, and showcased the ability to wreak havoc in an opponent’s backfield.
In all, the Michigan product posted a tackle for loss and a rush of Falcons signal-caller Marcus Mariota. Plus, the EDGE defender drew a holding call against veteran offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom while in pursuit of a scrambling Mariota.
Overall, it was a solid day from the first-year pro, who earned an 88.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts. Subsequently, Hutchinson was the highest-graded first-round rookie defender from Week 1 of the preseason.
“Hutchinson brought physicality whether lined up at the left or right end spots or when he kicked inside. He lined up over the left guard on third down, worked past the blocker’s inside shoulder to get into the backfield but the ball had already been released,” NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter explained. “Hutchinson couldn’t quite get to Mariota on a couple of other occasions, and Mariota made him pay for crashing down the line instead of keeping outside containment. The rookie’s hustle and movement skills were quite evident, though.”
Hutchinson plays with a high degree of tenacity and physicality, and he showcased vs. the Falcons that he’s going to be a handful for offensive lines to deal with for many years to come.
Although he’s played in just one exhibition contest, the rookie pass rusher feels like he’s already ready for the regular season to kick off.
“I’m ready to go. I think, I just want to get there,” Hutchinson commented, after the Lions’ joint practice with the Colts Thursday. “All the preseason, all the camp stuff, you know, it’s good getting better. But, man, you just want to get to that Week 1 and get into the season and get rolling. And, you’re just getting a little antsy. So, that’s how I feel.”
This article was produced by the staff at Sports Illustrated/All Lions. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions.