Aidan Hutchinson prefers to stay in Michigan, go to Lions in 2022 NFL Draft?

Almost immediately after Michigan Wolverines superstar pass-rusher and 2021 Heisman Trophy finalist Aidan Hutchinson officially declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, fans and experts alike began linking him with the Detroit Lions. Hutchinson is a Michigan native (Plymouth, to be exact), after all, and the Lions could certainly use the help on their defensive front and currently possess the second-overall pick in this spring's player-selection process.

While nothing is guaranteed at this stage of evaluations, Hutchinson suggested at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday he wouldn't mind staying local whenever his name is called during the draft's opening night on April 28. 

"It would definitely be cool," Hutchinson responded when asked about potentially being selected by the Lions, according to Nick Shook of the league's website. "I'd be living close to home. It would definitely make the transition a bit easier to the NFL just being so close to home and close to my parents."

In his latest mock draft released Tuesday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted Hutchinson will be calling Detroit home on the final Thursday of April. 

"Hutchinson is a local kid who just finished second in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, racking up 14 sacks and 19 total tackles for loss and dominating Big Ten offensive tackles," Kiper explained. "This is not just a sentimental pick because he went to Michigan; Hutchinson is an elite defender.

"Detroit's defense is still a few pieces away from being average -- there are big questions in the secondary, too -- but this should be a rush-to-the-podium selection."

Four different CBS Sports analysts also have the Lions taking Hutchinson in their latest mock drafts.