Detroit Lions: Examining the Fit of Each 2022 NFL Draft Pick

This weekend, the 2022 NFL draft wrapped up, with the Detroit Lions making eight selections across the seven rounds. Their draft class was headlined by local product, edge Aidan Hutchinson out of Michigan, and speedy receiver Jameson Williams out of the University of Alabama.

The draft class was heavily defense-focused as six of the eight picks were defensive players as the Detroit Lions looked to shore up the 31st-ranked defense last year. It was a tall task, but the Lions’ front office seems to think they were able to accomplish this.

Here is how each draft pick fits on the Detroit  Lions in 2022 and beyond.

First up will be the hometown hero, selected with the second overall pick after falling to the Honolulu Blue squad.

Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

The Detroit Lions selected the Heisman finalist, Aidan Hutchinson, with the second overall pick out of Michigan. The Lions were clearly thrilled that he fell to no.2, evidenced by the NFL being upset with how fast they turned in their card for the pick. The Lions have good reason to be excited by Hutchinson as he should step in from day one and be one of the best players on the defense.

Hutchinson is listed as a defensive end, but he should play multiple spots along the defensive front: expect to see him as a down defensive end, stand-up rusher, and even sliding in as a three-technique. From these spots, Hutchinson is both an effective run and pass defender. Against the run, he does a great job setting the edge and containing the run game.

Against the pass, Hutchinson will likely be the best rusher on the team with great athleticism, pass rush moves, and tenacity to get to the quarterback. Expect Hutchinson to be on the field whenever possible, as the team will be much better with him on the field. In the future, Hutchinson has All-Pro potential and could form a devastating duo off the edge with Romeo Okwara.