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Aidan Hutchinson has been a difference-making talent for the Detroit Lions since being drafted by the organization No. 2 overall in 2022.
In a span of two seasons (34 games), he's become one of the best EDGE defenders in the NFL. Most notably, he's amassed a combined 21 sacks, the most sacks ever accumulated by a Detroit player in their first two seasons. He's also recorded a staggering 154 pressures, including a career-best 101 during the 2023 campaign, per Pro Football Focus.
Hutchinson, via his high-level on-field production, has helped change the outlook on the Lions from bleak to ultra promising. He’s aided the franchise in becoming a winner and shedding its negative reputation from years past.
All the while, he’s helped make it much easier for individuals to support the Lions from an early age.
“Growing up with the 0-16 team, growing up with just the ‘Same Old Lions’ phrase, it’s crazy to see where we’re at now and to see that we’re breaking, we’re breaking those old phrases, we’re creating new phrases,” Hutchinson told NBC Sports' Mike Tirico this week. “And, I’ve been thinking about it and a lot of the little kids growing up are viewing these Lions that we have right now, and they get to grow up with this and what we’re going to have for years. So, I’m happy for those kids.”
The second-year pro's head coach Dan Campbell has also been instrumental in establishing a winning brand of football in Detroit.
Campbell has proven to be one of the finest leaders and motivators of men in the National Football League. And, along with general manager Brad Holmes, he's turned the Lions into one of the league's most well-run organizations.
Campbell's players, like Hutchinson, love to play for him, and subsequently, the third-year head man seemingly gets the most out of his talent on every single snap.
"I think Dan has this relatability with the players that not many coaches have," Hutchinson said, when asked about what makes Campbell a "great" head coach. "I've played around a lot of coaches that were former players, but I feel like Dan gets it. He gets it, and just to have him in every team meeting, just talking to us, giving us what he thinks, I think his advice and information is just so valuable to all of us. And, he's been nothing but great ever since we got here. I mean, even when we were 1-6 last year, he hasn't changed, and that's what I appreciate the most about him."
Alim McNeill has had immense impact on Hutchinson
McNeill, a third-round pick (No. 72 overall) in 2021, experienced a breakout campaign in 2023.
The defensive tackle proved to be impactful as both a pass-rusher and a run defender, and the numbers back it up.
The N.C. State product recorded a career-best five sacks, and earned a 79.3 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he's the highest-graded interior defensive lineman among the remaining NFL playoff teams (88.6).
Alim McNeill: highest-graded iDL among remaining playoff teams (88.6) pic.twitter.com/171mMVj45l
— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) January 19, 2024
Throughout the course of this past regular season, he also consistently made it easier for Hutchinson to get to the quarterback.
"I mean, just having a guy that can push the pocket, having a guy that can create pressure in the interior, it's amazing," Hutchinson said of McNeill. "I mean, every great EDGE rusher, we all love a great interior push, a great D-tackle to kind of rush with us. He's really kind of come into that role, and he's improved so much this year. And, you know, to have him in there with me, we're just both going through it. But, I know that I can trust him with everything. I can't wait even for the years to come with us. It'll be great."
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