The Detroit Lions had an impressive draft in 2022.
They landed several young players that look to make a difference in their franchise for the next several years.
Despite the number of talented players that they drafted, one stands out among the rest.
The wait is over! Give it up for your 2022 Pepsi Zero Sugar @NFL Rookie of the Year @aidanhutch97 🏆Congratulations! 🏈🙌 #PepsiROTY pic.twitter.com/LkzTr4UJEo
—Pepsi (@pepsi) February 9, 2023
This morning, Aidan Hutchinson was given Pepsi’s Rookie of the Year award.
Tonight, Hutchinson is one of three nominees for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Although he isn’t expected to win that award due to the dominant nature of Sauce Gardner, he certainly put together an impressive season for the Lions.
Hutchinson joins Joey Bosa as the second defensive player in the last ten years to win this award.
Interestingly enough, Bosa won the Defensive Rookie of the Year during that season as well.
Will Hutchinson find the same fortune, despite the odds being heavily favored in Gardner’s direction?
It is difficult to compare Hutchinson and Gardner, considering that they play different positions, and impact their team in different ways.
This year, Hutchinson had 52 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, and three interceptions.
To compare, Gardner had 75 total tackles, and two interceptions, and led the league with 20 pass breakups.
He made an instant impact on the Lions organization, a team that has struggled for many seasons.
Hutchinson provided a beacon of hope to the Lions’ defensive front, and looks do to so for the foreseeable future.
Will the Lions be able to make the playoffs in 2023 after their strong finish to the 2022 campaign?
While that remains to be seen, tonight, we will find out who will take home the league’s most coveted awards.
