Hutchinson Impresses Campbell with 'Violent, Aggressive' Play, Already Setting Tone for Lions

The NFL's 2022 Rookie of the Year from Michigan says he has a 'better grasp' heading into second season

Photo Courtesy of Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson is back on the prowl for the Lions after making a big splash as a game-changer in 2022.

By Steve Kornacki

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Aidan Hutchinson has an insatiable desire to get better every minute, every hour, every day, every year.

He went from Heisman Trophy runnerup and No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft out of Michigan to become the league’s Rookie of the Year in 2022, and is already setting the tone for the Detroit Lions in the first week of training camp.

Lions coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday: “Hutch looks good, man. Just his mindset. He’s wired the right way. He’s been training. Obviously, putting in the work. He’s pretty smart and conscientious, and he’s a guy I can’t wait to get the pads on because you know he’s really going to show up. His style of play is violent. He’s aggressive.”

Hutchinson said earlier this week: “The game has slowed down. Everything just feels a lot easier, man. I feel like I have a better grasp on what I do and just kind of my position in the scheme and the system. Just being out here today [Sunday], it’s a lot less tiring. You’re not thinking as much, and I’m just rolling and having fun. It’s just really that experience that’s so critical.”

Hutchinson became the only rookie since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to record at least nine sacks (9.5) and three interceptions. He made 52 tackles (28 solos) while adding 53 quarterback pressures, three pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.

The 6-foot-7, 268-pound edge rusher is a beast in the entire front seven area of a defense, and has brought expectations to Detroit that the Lions haven’t stoked in fans in many years.

They were 3-13-1 in 2021, and 9-8 last season. Now, some reporters have gone so far as to make the Lions a dark horse Super Bowl pick.

He changes teams.

The Wolverines were 2-4 when he got hurt in 2020, and went 12-2 in 2021 with him healthy and raring to go.

With Hutch stepping up, the “Same Old Lions” tag is going down.