Wasting no time at all, the Detroit Lions drafted pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
Hutchinson played defensive end for the University of Michigan for four seasons and had quite the breakout in 2021. Not only was he a finalist for the Heisman Trophy this past season, but he set Michigan’s single-season sack record as well with 14.
As the second overall pick, it would make sense that Hutchinson becomes an immediate starter as an outside linebacker in Aaron Glenn’s defense.
The Lions’ current starters at EDGE are Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris. Okwara will be returning from a torn Achilles and Harris had the most successful season of his career with the Lions in 2021.
Hutchinson would be an upgrade over Harris almost immediately but should also start over Okwara if the veteran is not ready following his injury.
Overall, this is not only the safest, but smartest move the Lions could have made. With Hutchinson manning the edge, Detroit’s defense has an instant upgrade with their pass rush.
