Dan Campbell delivers rave review on Aidan Hutchinson from Lions OTAs

The Detroit Lions top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Aidan Hutchinson, is looking to make an immediate impact on his team, and so far, he’s doing just that. The former Michigan Wolverine has impressed so far during the Lions rookie minicamp and OTAs, and head coach Dan Campbell recently delivered a rave review about his rookie superstar’s performance in the offseason.

The Lions head coach already had to plenty to say about his homegrown superstar in Hutchinson.

“His DNA says that he’s going to do everything that he can to be successful. And he’s got enough ability and enough strength .. to go out there and help us and help us win some games,” Campbell said, wrote Birkett via Twitter.

Hutchinson brings a polish to his game that should help the Lions in their rebuild. So far, Campbell is happy with the results. Many draft analysts called Hutchinson one of the safest prospects in the draft. He feels like a sure bet to pan out for the Lions, but they still have to put the work in. And so far it looks like Hutchinson is doing that and then some in OTAs.

Detroit Lions coach shares early thoughts on Aidan Hutchinson

“As you guys all know, we couldn’t get the call in fast enough once we knew (Jacksonville) didn’t take Aidan Hutchinson,” Campbell said during the team’s rookie minicamp. “It worked out great; it was perfect. He’s a perfect fit for us. I mean, he really is everything that we’re about and he matches us perfectly and I’ve said this before, but it just so happened to be that he was in the backyard.

“It wasn’t because of that, but that’s icing on the cake there, that he was right down the road. I just feel like it was meant to be. He belongs here. When you’re going to pick guys they better fit everything that you’re about, and he does that.”

Hutchinson, who played in 43 career games at Michigan, was a Consensus All-American in 2021 and a two-time All-Big Ten honoree. Hutchinson, a two-time captain, is the program record-holder for sacks in a single season, notching 14 for the Wolverines in 2021. He will wear No. 97 with the Lions.

Hutchinson is set to be one of the building blocks on a young defense looking to come into its own in the Motor City. It carries a little more weight to the Plymouth native and former Michigan star to help get the Lions on track.

“I definitely feel inspired to get this team going again,” Hutchinson said. “But again, it’s not just me. It’s going to be a group effort. It’s going to take all the guys on this team to get this team back to winning. If I can be a piece of that, I’d love to.