The Detroit Lions were plagued with injuries during the 2024-25 campaign, especially on the defensive side. They’re hoping to avoid a repeat of that during the 2025-26 season.
One of the toughest setbacks came when star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury. The fact that Detroit still reached the playoffs without him was nothing short of impressive.
Before the injury, Hutchinson was playing at an elite level and looked poised to become the best edge rusher in the NFL. Questions always arise after a serious injury, but in Hutchinson’s case, the Lions are confident he’ll return stronger than ever.
Now, ahead of the 2025-26 season, Hutchinson has received a bold prediction. It’s a bit mixed, but there’s a lot of praise as well. Many are hoping he proves analysts wrong and exceeds all expectations this season.
With the 2025 NFL training camps approaching quickly, it’s a prime time to assess the Lions’ roster and how they stack up against the league. In a feature released Wednesday, July 9, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN revealed his edge rusher rankings, sourced from coaches, scouts, and execs.
“Voters submitted their top 10 players per position, and we ranked them by vote totals, averages, and more, with analysis from ESPN’s Matt Bowen,” wrote Fowler. “We had over 70 league insiders vote on one or more positions.”
So, where does Hutchinson land? While his ranking could’ve been higher, No. 7 overall isn’t bad — especially considering he missed significant time. Maxx Crosby, by comparison, was slotted at No. 4.
“Usually a major injury drops someone from the top 10,” noted Fowler. “But Hutchinson held firm thanks to his dominant play before breaking his leg and missing 12 games.”
Fowler emphasized that Hutchinson’s performance in limited games was “outstanding,” highlighting that he led the league in pressures, sacks, and win rate before going down.
“He was headed for a top-three spot with Garrett and Watt,” one NFC executive told ESPN. “If not for the injury, he might’ve been a DPOY finalist,” said an AFC exec. “Unmatched motor, long frame, elite mix of quickness and strength.”
In a Pro Football Focus piece from May, Ryan Smith ranked Hutchinson No. 5, noting, “He’ll be a top Defensive Player of the Year contender as the Lions aim to win the division.”
Last season might have been Hutchinson’s breakout year if not for the injury. Seeing him fall to the turf in pain was devastating, and learning he’d miss the rest of the season made it worse. Now, fans are eager to see him bounce back and chase greatness this fall.
