Aidan Hutchinson Listed as Lions Breakout Player to Watch

Sports Illustrated listed Detroit's edge rusher as a player that will shine in 2023.

The Detroit Lions are counting on the development of several of their second-year players, including edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. 

In a Sports Illustrated listing of breakout NFL players for each team, the former No. 2 pick is expected to continue his solid play along the defensive line. 

"Hutchinson was consistently excellent as a rookie, shining from start to finish: In Week 2, the 2022 No. 2 pick dominated the Commanders with three sacks before totaling two sacks in Week 18 during a victory over the Packers at Lambeau Field."

This offseason, the 22-year-old has put in the work to be in the best shape of his playing career. 

"Entering 2023, Hutchinson has experience to match his massive talent. Standing 6'7" and 265 pounds, he has a freakish blend of size and strength, along with a 4.74 40 time to showcase his acceleration."

Many national pundits are struggling to determine if Detroit's defense has done enough to consistently rush the quarterback and stop the run. 

In 2022, Detroit ranked 25th in pass-rush win rate (36%), but in the second half of the season, Aaron Glenn's defense ranked fourth in quarterback pressures  and fifth in sacks.

Detroit will bank on a mix of young players and veteran defensive linemen to execute at a high level. 

With a lot to prove, Detroit's defense, led by Hutchinson, will face early tests, as the team opens the 2023 season against the Chiefs and Seahawks the first two weeks of the regular season. 

"If Hutchinson takes the proverbial next step and becomes a Pro Bowl–level player, Detroit has a good chance to find the leap it needs from its defense."