Last season was a rollercoaster ride for the Detroit Lions. They showcased their strengths, finishing with an impressive record that earned them the coveted No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs. However, their postseason aspirations took a hit when they faced a tough early exit against the Washington Commanders. To compound the disappointment, the Lions were without one of their standout players, Aidan Hutchinson, for a significant chunk of the season.
Heading into this year, the Lions face some challenges, notably the departures of their offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who has joined the Chicago Bears, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, now with the New York Jets. But amidst these transitions, there is some positive news on the horizon regarding Hutchinson’s recovery.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Recovery and Future Impact
Hutchinson, a former star at the University of Michigan, suffered a fractured tibia in October of last season. Although he had hoped to contribute if the Lions made it to the final game, fate didn’t allow for that. However, that setback has likely afforded him extra time to focus on recovery and come back even stronger. The old adage rings true: what doesn’t break you makes you stronger, and this could be particularly relevant for Hutchinson as he gears up for the next season.
ESPN senior writer Mike Clay has made an intriguing prediction about Hutchinson, suggesting that he could emerge as the most productive defensive end in the NFL for fantasy points by 2025. Clay forecasts Hutchinson will rack up an impressive 59 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a staggering 16.7 sacks throughout the season. If he can achieve these numbers, it’s a glimpse of the impact the Lions could have seen in 2024 had Hutchinson not been sidelined by injury. Those projected 186.6 fantasy points would mark him as the top edge defender in the league, with that 16.7 sack total also standing as the highest in the NFL.
Looking Ahead to September
So, how ready can we expect Hutchinson to be as the Lions approach September? Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard shed some light on this during the 2025 NFL Combine, expressing confidence in Hutchinson’s recovery and his ability to contribute significantly to the team’s defensive efforts once he returns to full health.
“Sheppard noted, “That guy was having a phenomenal year. He’s willing to drop into coverage if it deems they’re turning three people in protection to him. He’ll drop out without hesitation… So I have full faith in Hutch.” His belief in Hutchinson’s capabilities is backed by his performance before the injury, and he’s optimistic about Hutchinson’s role on the field.
Moreover, Sheppard went beyond just praising Hutchinson’s on-field skills, acknowledging the kind of person he is off the field too. “Hutch is a dynamic player, but he’s a better person,” he said, sharing a heartwarming story about how Hutchinson welcomed him to the team. “He was one of the first people to reach out to me… It’s humbling to hear guys like him say, ‘We want to do this for you.’”
As Sheppard embarks on his new role as defensive coordinator, having a player of Hutchinson’s caliber is undoubtedly a relief. It’s clear that Hutchinson’s return to the field could be a vital component in shaping the Lions’ defense, keeping fans hopeful as they look forward to what the upcoming season holds.
