Analysts assign grades for Detroit Lions picking Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson

Michigan Wolverines football defensive Aidan Hutchinson was selected No. 2 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft, becoming U-M’s highest picked defender of all time.

Hutchinson was considered the consensus projected No. 1 overall pick heading into April, but over the last few weeks and even days, it became clear that Detroit was a much more likely landing spot. That’s where he ended up, and the Lions are thrilled to keep the Plymouth, Mich., native home.

Here’s a look at analysts and how they graded the Lions for drafting the former Michigan star:

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Vito Chirco, All Lions: A+

“Hutchinson is a home-run pick for the Lions, and not just because of the fact that he’s a local kid who played for Michigan and attended Dearborn (Mich.) Divine Child High School,” Chirco wrote. “Most importantly, he’s got the chance to be an elite-level pass rusher, and Holmes & Co. are in need of just that.”

James Dator, SB Nation: A+

“This was a no-brainer, despite some late smokescreen about [Oregon defensive end] Kayvon Thibodeaux,” Dator wrote. “Hutchinson stays in Michigan, and this was an extremely simple decision for them. The Lions need reliable pass rush, and get the most-reliable lock defensive end in this draft. Hutchinson might not have the ludicrous ceiling of Travon Walker or Thibodeaux, but he’s going to be a 10+ year force and anchor Dan Campbell’s pass rush. The Jaguars’ mistake is Detroit’s gain.”

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A

“Hutchinson doesn’t have to move far from Ann Arbor, going back home to the Detroit metro area,” Iyer wrote. “The Lions can be thrilled about the ferocious Wolverine slipping to be a cornerstone pass rusher for their 4-3 under Aaron Glenn, for which he’s an ideal fit. He is tough and relentless and straight-up productive. Hutchinson can remain dominant in the NFL and also is an asset against the run. He is the best player in this draft class.”

Fox Sports: A

“Forget the short-arm narrative, Hutchinson was the best draft-eligible player in the country a year ago, essentially willing the Wolverines to the Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff berth with his combination of burst, power and simple relentlessness,” the site wrote of the Michigan standout. “There is not a better fit for Dan Campbell and blue-collar Detroit than Hutchinson, who almost certainly would have been the No. 1 overall selection had the Lions owned the first pick.”

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: B+

“They need a pass rusher in the worst way, and they have to be thrilled that Hutchinson fell to them here,” Prisco wrote. “He is a polished edge rusher who will be an impact player right away. The Lions have to be able to impact the quarterback better than they did last year. Hutchinson will do that. But he might be a 12-sack guy most of his career, rather than a 16-sack guy. But that’s OK.”

Sheil Kapadia, The Athletic: B+

“The Lions might not have been expecting him to be there at No. 2, but when the Jaguars went with [Georgia defensive end Travon] Walker, this probably became an easy decision,” Kapadia wrote.

“Hutchinson (6-foot-7, 260), a Michigan native, was a highly productive college player with 14 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss last season. He projects as someone who should be able to line up at different spots and rush the passer while also being disruptive against the run.

“Hutchinson might not be as bendy as some of the edge rushers who usually get drafted this high, but given his athletic testing, it’s probably a mistake to suggest that he has a low ceiling. His three-cone time at the combine ranked in the 99th percentile for edge rushers.

“This is a great outcome for the Lions. They just need blue-chip players. Hutchinson plays a premium position and fills a big need area for them.”

Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports: B+

“The hometown kid is now a nearly instant Lions hero,” Edholm wrote. “No pressure? Well, Hutchinson looked completely in control during Michigan’s playoff drive and his Heisman campaign. And he maintained an excellent level of play all season. He’s a good rusher, great run defender and becomes one of Dan Campbell’s key young guys.”

Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press: B

“For starters, keep in mind the grade is for the pick and not the player, meaning how the Lions used the pick to find value and not grading the player’s measurables,” Monarrez wrote. “That said, Hutchinson checks just about every box you want at a premium position and with endless local ties. I love his high motor, his production and his enthusiasm. The only thing keeping Hutchinson from getting an A are concerns about his strength (see: bench press), his production in the College Football Playoff semifinal and non-prototype body, being a bit too tall with short arms.”