Nov 24, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson watches the game against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
As he bolsters his candidacy for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has been named NFL Rookie of the Month for November.
Aidan Hutchinson is starting to be a more consistent force along the Detroit Lions defensive line. After winning Pepsi Rookie of the Week and NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week11 for his performance in Week 11 against the New York Giants, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft has been named NFL Rookie of the Month for November.
As the Lions went 3-1 in November, Hutchinson had 13 total tackles, one sack, two interceptions and a fumble recovery over the four-game span. He was seemingly around every critical play the Lions defense made in wins, intercepting Aaron Rodgers in the end zone, dropping into coverage to force Justin Fields to make a different throw that Jeff Okudah returned for a pick-six, intercepting Daniel Jones and recovering a fumble to seal the win over the Giants.
Aidan Hutchinson poised for a run at Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Hutchinson is the third Lion to ever win Defensive Rookie of the Month, joining Ndamukong Suh in 2010 and Louis Delmas in 2009. He’s the second draft pick by general manager Brad Holmes to win a Rookie of the Month award in as many seasons, as wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown did it in December last season.
On FanDuel and DraftKings sportsbooks right now, on Dec. 1, Hutchinson has the third-best odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, behind New York Jets cornerback Ahmad Gardner and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen.
Hutchinson needs to compile more sacks to strengthen his candidacy for Defensive Rookie of the Year. But a late run at the award is not out of the question, and in November he was the impact player everyone envisioned he’ be when he was drafted.