Lions head coach Dan Campbell praises 'violent' Aidan Hutchinson

Detroit Lions edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson was selected No. 2 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and had a nice rookie campaign. He tallied 9.5 sacks and three interceptions last year, numbers that could portend an even bigger sophomore campaign.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell noted that he's seen improvement from Hutchinson since the end of last season. 

“I feel like he’s got more in his toolbox and he was already a confident player, but you can just see has a ton of confidence," Campbell said, per Pro Football Talk.

Campbell then stated some of the weapons Hutchinson has in his arsenal. 

“You see these tools coming out that have elevated his game," Campbell explained. "He’s got a counter move, he’s got a spin, he’s got a bull."

Last week Campbell said that Hutchinson has looked good, is conscientious, has been aggressive and is someone who is "wired the right way." 

Hutchinson was known as a fiery player for the Michigan Wolverines and put together an incredible 2021 campaign in Ann Arbor in which he tallied a program-record 14 sacks. His collegiate success has rolled over into the NFL, and he's going to be a force for many years to come.

"He’s violent shedding the run game," Campbell said. "He sets an edge. He’s a big man. He’s got a high motor. He’s taken it up a notch. That’s what you want to see.”

If the Lions are to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, Hutchinson will be a big part of that postseason push. Despite the hype surrounding the Lions, it appears the team isn't letting that get to its head. 

"We keep that underdog mentality," Hutchinson said at the beginning of camp. "We haven’t won anything yet. So, people, obviously, there’s a lot of expectations. But, then again, we still feel like the underdogs.”