Nov 6, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) celebrates after the Lions beat the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Ndamukong Suh has high praise for Lions rookie DL Aidan Hutchinson

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 11/8/22

The Detroit Lions have the worst defense in the NFL, but rookie defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has consistently been one of the unit’s standout players.

Hutchinson’s latest performance — two tackles, a pass breakup, and an interception — in Detroit’s 15-9 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday caught the eye of another Lions great.

“Hopefully the GM and ownership are smart enough to build around him,” ex-Lions defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh tweeted in response to a tweet from Fox Sports NFC North reporter Carmen Vitali, who tweeted at Suh asking what he thought of the first-year defender.

Hopefully the GM and ownership are smart enough to build around him !
— Ndamukong Suh (@NdamukongSuh) November 6, 2022

Hutchinson joined Suh and Jim Doran and Thurman McGraw as just the fourth rookie defensive lineman in franchise history to record an interception, and he and Suh are the only Lions rookie linemen to register at least 4.5 sacks and an interception in their first year.

Suh was the runaway selection for AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. That year, he totaled 66 tackles, 17 QB hits, 13 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, and he was named to the Pro Bowl and was a First Team All-Pro selection.

Through eight games, Hutchinson has recorded 20 tackles, 14 QB pressures, nine QB hits, five QB hurries, 4.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, an interception, per Pro Football Reference.

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