The Detroit Lions could be watching a star take his spot at the top of the defensive player pecking order. Aidan Hutchinson is on a tear so far through 2025, picking up right where he left out in 2024 just before breaking his leg. Before his injury and since, he's been an absolute force on defense for the Lions. A force so impactful, it's very clear that he's making a case for being the most impactful defensive player in the league.
So impactful, he may earn his way into the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Pro Bowl defensive end is fourth in the league with six sacks in six games as of Week 7, and it's very likely he hits double-digits before Week 10. As it stands, his +360 odds to be named the 2025 DPOY are currently tied for second-best on FanDuel Sportsbook, trailing only the Denver Broncos' Nik Bonitto (+340).
If he keeps his foot on the gas, Hutchinson is in a great spot to bring hardware to the Motor City.
Lions' Aidan Hutchinson Is Clearly the 2025 NFL DPOY
Hutchinson is putting up good pass-rushing numbers so far. His overall impact on the game goes beyond just sacks, however. According to Pro Football Focus, Detroit's star disruptor is grading out at a 92.2, with his pass-rushing grade hitting a 93.0. His run defense is not nearly as impressive, but still a very strong grade of 68.7. He's a clear piece of the Lions defense, and without him, this squad would be far less spectacular than they are.
The Lions' defense is 10th in the league in yards given up (1,849), 15th against the pass (1,276), and 12th against the run (573), while also being tied for fifth with nine turnovers. They're also the least penalized defense in the league, ranking first in fewest penalty yards assigned. The Lions are also fourth in the league in sacks, with 19 — six for Hutchinson and 13 for the rest of the team.
It's clear that Hutchinson has positively impacted the Lions' defense and helped vault them up the list of quality NFL teams. That impact on the team's defensive efficacy is a huge selling point for his Defensive Player of the Year Award. Yet, his individual stats and his overall team impact aren't the only selling points.
Since the season started, players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and other top-tier defenders have gotten hurt. Clearing the space for Hutchinson to claim the DPOY Award. Other benefits include T.J. Watt's slow start to the 2025 season, as well as Myles Garrett playing for the hapless Cleveland Browns.
The lack of active, healthy, or overall effective defenders has made it very obvious that Hutchinson is leading a new class of DPOY candidates, with the Lions star clearly at the front of the line.