Yes it’s only OTAs for the Detroit Lions, but by all accounts Aidan Hutchinson is looking every bit like the No. 2 pick in the draft.
Even as the No. 2 pick in April’s draft, you coul say Aidan Hutchinson fell into the laps of the Detroit Lions. A fit for their need at edge rusher, a local product and by all indications a fit for the culture head coach Dan Campbell wants, taking him was such a no-brainer the Lions made the league unhappy by turning the card in so quickly.
The Lions are having their full-team voluntary OTAs this week at Allen Park, with 85 of 90 players in attendance–though some who are dealing with injuries aren’t practicing. Hutchinson has of course been an unfettered participant, and with Thursday’s practice open to the media how he looked was of high interest.
Aidan Hutchinson looking the part of why Lions took him No. 2 overall
During his press conference before Thursday’s practice, Campbell said Hutchinson’s approach has been “everything we thought it would be”, while citing how much it’ll benefit him going against offensive tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell in practice now and moving forward.
Then on the practice field…well, let’s go to Tim Twentyman of the Lions’ website.
During a two-minute 11-on-11 team drill Thursday, No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson made his presence felt. It’s no pads and limited contact in OTAs, but Hutchinson had a three-play sequence rushing from the interior where he would have recorded three straight sacks on quarterback David Blough had the drill been live. He was behind undrafted rookie guard Zein Obeid on the third play of the sequence before Obeid could even get out of his stance.
Even in no pads with minimal contact against backup offensive lineman, it’s better to stand out than be a JAG (Just A Guy) during a May OTA practice. Hutchinson took care of business like he truly should have, with a lot of eyes on his every move during Thursday’s open session.
Campbell, as expected for a rookie so early on, also said there’s “more meat on the bone” with Hutchinson. As things move to padded OTAs, then training camp, preseason games and finally games that count, Hutchinson is off to a good start and that’s better than the alternative. Even if we know real criticism wouldn’t be levied on him at this point in time.