Lions GM Brad Holmes explains why he compares Aidan Hutchinson to Chris Long
The Detroit Lions were very happy to see former Michigan Wolverines EDGE rusher Aidan Hutchinson fall to them with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Hutchinson was ultimately selected after Travon Walker, who went No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Following the selection of Hutchinson, Lions general manager Brad Holmes expressed his excitement for adding such a talented player on defense. Holmes went on to give Hutchinson a lofty comparison, putting him in the conversation alongside former NFL star defensive end Chris Long.
“When I first saw him, he reminded me of Chris Long a little bit,” Holmes said. “I was with the Rams back when we drafted Chris Long, and the reason why that was such a unique comparison is because at the time, we were more of a four-man front team defense and Chris Long was like a 34 at UVA. So then, we had to project him as kind of an edge guy.
“You fast forward to Aidan, we’re like man, this guy can really be a five-technique or he can be a bunch of different things. But then you see him the next season and he just shows a whole new toolbox. It was an uptick in excitement in light form. But really, really excited about him.”
Hutchinson should play a role early with the Lions
Long definitely made his mark on the NFL, and he became a star in eight seasons with the Rams. His best seasons came in 2011 and 2012, where he had 13 and 11.5 sacks, respectively. Overall, Long totaled 332 tackles, 85 tackles for loss, 70 sacks, and 150 quarterback hits in his 11-year NFL career.
Hutchinson first broke out as a sophomore in 2019 at Michigan, totaling 69 tackles with 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, six passes defended and three forced fumble. He then was limited to just two games in 2020, but returned in full force during the 2021 season.
Last season, Hutchinson had 62 tackles with 16.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, three passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He is likely to become a key contributor on the Lions defense out of the gates as a rookie, and Detroit is clearly excited about the long-term upside that Hutchinson brings to the table. Hutchinson grew up a Lions fan, and he is now looking to help be part of better times in the coming years.