Why Lions pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson is thankful for the Jaguars

Young pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson feels blessed the Jacksonville Jaguars selected linebacker Travon Walker with the first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, a decision that allowed Hutchinson to fall to the Detroit Lions at choice No. 2. 

"I’m happy here. Very thankful, very thankful," Hutchinson said about the events that led him to Detroit, according to Vito Chirco of FanNation's All Lions. "I mean, it all worked out. It was divine timing. The way things went was the way things were supposed to go." 

Hutchinson first made his name on the national stage while featuring for the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan native openly said before the 2022 draft that "it would definitely be cool" to be able to stay in his home state as a pro. 

The Lions likely share Hutchinson's feelings about all that has occurred since April 2022. The 23-year-old finished his rookie season with 9.5 sacks, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries across 17 regular-season games. To compare, Walker tallied 3.5 quarterback takedowns, a forced fumble and one interception in 15 contests. 

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson told reporters the team "did [its] due diligence and really studied" Hutchinson and "all the top edge-rushers" ahead of last year's draft. What's done is done and Hutchinson is looking to build upon his debut season as the Lions pursue more than just a playoff berth beginning in September. 

"I think the sky’s the limit for me," Hutchinson added following a joint practice with the Jaguars. "I really feel that. I haven’t even scratched my potential yet. I feel like I’m still stacking the days, getting so much better every day. Man, it’s going to be a fun year." 

As of Thursday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Lions as fourth among betting favorites at +1100 odds to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LVIII. Hutchinson competing for Defensive Player of the Year honors could go a long way toward the Lions playing beyond January 2024.