Proven by his defensive rookie of the year considerations, Detroit Lions’ rookie Aidan Hutchinson had a phenomenal 1st season in the NFL. Producing unlike any rookie edge rusher in NFL history, the Michigan native propelled himself to 9.5 sacks, three interceptions, nine tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries. His outstanding rookie year drew the attention of many NFL stars and legends alike.
Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson from the Eyes of Michael Strahan
I caught up with @michaelstrahan and Howie Long here in Phoenix at Super Bowl & asked them about @aidanhutch97:
"I just think he's going to be a future star… The future is really, really bright. I'm excited."
Read more from 2 Hall of Famers: https://t.co/DeOzCaPSjU
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) February 8, 2023
In a sitdown with Tim Twentyman for the Detroit Lions’ website, Fox Sports NFL Analyst and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan expressed his opinion on Hutchinson’s future. “I just think he is a future star,” he said when asked about Hutchinson’s young career. Elaborating with, “He made a lot of plays that stars make in his rookie year. The future is really, really bright. I’m excited. I think that everyone thinks that because you’re pick No. 2 that you’re going to come in and instantly have success and it’s a different level. Completely different level.”
This isn’t just being said to get the fan base excited too, it’s a fact. Hutchinson is still fighting for a defensive rookie of the year award, in which he currently is projected to finish second behind Sauce Gardner. The New York Jets’ Corner is the current favorite and has also had an amazing rookie season, but there is definitely an argument to be made that Hutchinson should nab the top spot.
Aidan Hutchinson’s teammate and veteran mentor, Michael Brockers, explained to the Good Morning Football crew on Wednesday why the former Wolverine deserves to take home the silverware.
Claiming, “Biasedly obviously, I think he should win the crown because just look at how much he — he rushes the pass really well, he drops in coverage, caught a bunch of interceptions this season, made plays. He’s always around the ball.” He then added, “He made an impact when he was in the game. I just think he is all-around player who just made an impact while he was on the field. I think he did at that while being a rookie.”
Michael Brockers didn’t just speak to his performance on the field though but praised Hutchinson’s intelligence too saying, “I tip my hat off to him, because Aaron Glenn’s defense is not an easy defense to learn, and especially if you’re rushing the passer sometimes and you’re dropping sometimes. I just tip my hat to the guy. He’s a hell of a player. He was a great rookie. I can say that, and he has a long career ahead of him.”
High praise from NFL defensive linemen only means one thing for Hutchinson, the sky is the limit. Former and current players know the game and the commitment to it more than anybody, so gaining their praise truly means something to an NFL player. Strahan, who’s a hall of fame career entailed a Super Bowl win, seven Pro-Bowls, four All-Pro awards, and one Defensive Player of the Year award knows exactly what it takes to dominate in the NFL as an edge rusher. If he believes Hutchinson has the “it” factor, then you know it’s true.
Aidan Hutchinson made more than a splash in his rookie season, and will only continue to build on that success. His drive, energy, IQ, and physical prowess make him a tough matchup for any offensive lineman. The question is, will he get some help on the defensive front this off-season? With Brad Holmes knowing he has a star in Hutchinson, he only needs to add a couple of pieces to really complete this Lions’ rebuild.
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