Former Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman and number two overall draft pick Aidan Hutchinson just completed one of the best rookie seasons in Detroit Lions history, leading the team to a winning record and “Restoring the Road” in Detroit with his leadership skills.
Alongside running back Jamaal Williams, Head Coach Dan Campbell, General Manager Brad Holmes and the rest of the current Lions team, Hutchinson has Lions, and Michigan Wolverines, fans buzzing about a playoff run in 2023.
Hutchinson is also part of an exciting rookie class including star cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets, wide receiver Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints, running back Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks, and quarterback Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers.
When the dust settled on the Lions’ 2022 season, Hutchinson had not just silenced the doubters who said he was a reach for Detroit at pick number two — he flipped the script entirely, changing the narrative of his career in a matter of months.
Now, the question is not whether Hutchinson can become a Pro Bowl, top-tier defensive player or not — and if his rookie stats are any indication, he’s not far off.
Hutchinson’s rookie stats already compare favorably to those of another highly touted former Big Ten defensive end, Nick Bosa of the Ohio State Buckeyes and San Francisco 49ers, who has become one of the greatest and most disruptive players in the NFL.
How Hutchinson’s Rookie Season Compares to Nick Bosa’s
Recently, the Detroit based website Woodward Sports took a look at the numbers of Hutchinson compared with Bosa.
The tale of the tape is as follows:
Hutchinson-
9.5 sacks, 52 tackles, zero forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three interceptions.
Bosa-
9 sacks, 47 tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one interception.
Aidan Hutchinson got his 2nd sack of the night! ?pic.twitter.com/gNPoPKgb3t
— LionsNationCP (@CpLions) September 18, 2022
Of course, it should be noted that Hutchinson played a 17-game season compared to Bosa’s 16, and Bosa has ‘Hutch’ beat on tackles for loss.
Considering the immensely high standards set by the former Ohio State star, who recorded a staggering 18.5 sacks in 2022, it’s well worth noting that Hutchinson is in rare company after his 2022 rookie season — especially when taking the eye test into account (Hutchinson’s playing style is reminiscent of both Nick and his brother Joey Bosa’s).
Whether or not Hutchinson will match the Bosa brothers in terms of accolades and production for the rest of his career remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure — the Lions found themselves an impact player with the number two pick in this past year’s draft, and the future looks bright in Motown for both Hutchinson and the franchise itself.
Just watched all of his rookie highlights and now I miss Lions football even more:https://t.co/lBn1PwITft
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) January 17, 2023
Watch highlights of the best 2022 NFL rookies here
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