Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Aidan Hutchinson could have been the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft had the Jacksonville Jaguars seen fit to take him there. They did not, and Hutchinson seems to remember why.

Hutchinson will face the Jaguars this week as a member of the Detroit Lions, eight months after the Jaguars passed on him to take Travon Walker first overall. Hutchinson said Thursday he expected to land in Jacksonville, and suggested he did not go there because his arms were too short.

The Jaguars passed on Hutchinson to select Walker with the first pick. Though Hutchinson was the more productive college player, Walker’s athleticism and physical traits stood out to the Jaguars. That left Hutchinson to the Detroit Lions at No. 2.

Walker has 2.5 sacks as a rookie, while Hutchinson has 5.5 along with two interceptions. That might not tell the whole story, but the Lions will certainly be pleased that Hutchinson fell to them, regardless of arm length.

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