Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan’s Heisman Trophy finalist, was widely predicted to be the top pick. However, draft day took an unexpected turn. The Jacksonville Jaguars, holding the No. 1 pick, surprised many by selecting Georgia’s Travon Walker. This twist opened the door for the Detroit Lions to select Hutchinson as the second overall pick.



In a twist of fate, the Jaguars and Lions are currently engaged in joint practices at the Lions’ training facility, culminating in a preseason game on Saturday. In an industry where players often use draft snubs as motivation, Hutchinson stands out for his positive outlook. Despite being overlooked by the Jaguars, he holds no grudges.



Does he resent the NFL team that chose not to draft him? Hutchinson’s response, shared on Wednesday and reported by mlive.com, is clear: “Not at all. I am content where I am. Incredibly grateful. Everything fell into place as it should have. The timing seemed divine, orchestrating the unfolding events.”



<h2>Aidan Hutchinson’s Detroit Journey: From Aspiration to Accomplishment</h2>



While Walker might have secured a slightly higher rookie contract, Hutchinson revealed this week that he secretly aspired to join the home-state Lions as the second overall pick. He candidly expressed, “Throughout the draft process, I held onto the hope of joining their ranks. It was my heartfelt desire.”



Hutchinson’s roots run deep in Detroit. Having attended Divine Child High School, located in close proximity to the Lions’ training facility, he proceeded to excel at the University of Michigan. His remarkable final college season catapulted him to second place in Heisman Trophy voting, and his contributions played a significant role in securing a spot in the College Football Playoffs.



Looking at the bigger picture, the Lions have ample reasons to celebrate their 2022 draft outcome. Hutchinson’s rookie season was nothing short of stellar, with an impressive tally of 9.5 sacks, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. This noteworthy performance secured him a second place in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year race, right behind Jets’ Sauce Gardner.

Aidan Hutchinson Reflects on His Journey After Being Passed on by Jaguars at No. 1

Aidan Hutchinson Reflects on His Journey After Being Passed on by Jaguars at No. 1 - thesportsdrops NEWS

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Many people expected Florida quarterback <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/patrick-mahomes-super-bowl-rings-how-many-nfl-championships-has-the-quarterback-won-20230218-SPD-3419.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Richardson</a> to dominate the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-best-offensive-free-agents-for-upcoming-season-20230303-SPD-3456.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 NFL Combine</a>, and they were right. After running a 4.43-second 40-yard sprint, he also jumped 40.5″ vertically and 10’9″ horizontally, all of which put him in the top spot among quarterbacks.



The 21-year-old’s 40-yard sprint performance at the NFL Combine was the second-fastest mark for a first-round quarterback at the Combine since 2006, according to ESPN. This quarterback also set a record for the NFL Combine broad jump with a leap of 10 feet, 9 inches. As a result of his dominant performance, Richardson’s draft value has skyrocketed, and he now has a legitimate shot at being selected first overall next month.



Even though Richardson has already shown to be one of the most fascinating players in this class, what position in the NFL would he be most suited for? It’s safe to say he’s a green quarterback, but should he rest for a year or is he ready to start on Day 1? CBS Sports have suggested the top three destinations that would be the best matches for Richardson.



<h2>3. Detroit Lions</h2>



As Dan Campbell took over as head coach, the Lions finally had a winning record for the first time since 2017. Similarly, Detroit is on the upswing after almost qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2016. 



Although Jared Goff has Campbell’s approval, he is not the long-term solution for the quarterback situation. Richardson can sit back and learn from the experienced quarterback and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before taking over for Williams and Jameson in a couple of years.



<h2>2. Minnesota Vikings</h2>



Even though it’s very doubtful, Richardson’s best landing location would be with the Vikings. To begin with, Kevin O’Connell is a youthful, offensively-minded head coach who has already had a significant impact in the NFL. 



Included on the Vikings’ roster are the outstanding running back Dalvin Cook and the NFL’s top wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. Richardson could back up Kirk Cousins and maybe take over for him in a smooth transition.



<h2>1. New York Giants</h2>



According to rumors, Daniel Jones wants an annual salary of at least $45 million. What about franchise-tagging Jones and selecting a quarterback with even greater athleticism, someone like Josh Allen, who played quarterback at Wyoming? The work that Brian Daboll accomplished in Buffalo with Allen was on full display for everybody to see.



Putting Richardson in New York with the current NFL Coach of the Year would be the ideal fit for him. In considering where Richardson should settle, the most crucial factor is in how he can best further his development.

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Anthony Richardson

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Anthony Richardson - thesportsdrops NEWS

Last year was not easy for Jared Goff. Not only the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-bobby-wagner-explains-decision-to-join-rams-after-seahawks-release-2228-20220717-SPD-2228.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Rams</a> moved him to enter the season with Matthew Stafford as QB1, but he struggled in his first year with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-lions-to-make-t-j-hockenson-one-of-nfls-highest-paid-tight-ends-with-new-deal-2237-20220718-SPD-2237.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detroit Lions</a>.



The team was already in a tough spot before he arrived, yet he left some doubts regardless. Goff threw for 3,245 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 14 games, with the Lions going 3-10-1 with him as starter.



Lions head coach Dan Campbell, however, is not worried about the quarterback position. For him, Goff finished the year strongly and will pick up where he left off come September.



<h2>Dan Campbell confident in Jared Goff</h2>



“I think Goff’s in a real good place,” Campbell told NBC Sports, via Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports. “Finished strong last year. I like the fact that we’ve got pieces around him that I think are going to help pull the most out of him. 



“We’ve got some pieces here that complement each other that really will help him be the best that he can be. Listen, he’s an accurate quarterback. That’s what he does well. He can throw the football and he can put it right on the money.”

Jared Goff gets strong support from Lions HC Dan Campbell - thesportsdrops NEWS

Jared Goff gets strong support from Lions HC Dan Campbell

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-bobby-wagner-explains-decision-to-join-rams-after-seahawks-release-2228-20220717-SPD-2228.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detroit Lions</a> are still in the midst of a rebuild, but they are confident that they have at least one long-term building brick in place. According to ESPN, the Lions are anticipated to give tight end <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/veteran-jason-mccourty-hangs-up-cleats-after-13-years-in-nfl-2220-20220715-SPD-2220.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T.J. Hockenson</a>, a Pro Bowler, first priority when it comes to negotiating a new deal in the coming months.



Detroit activated Hockenson’s $9.4 million fifth-year option in the offseason, meaning he’s now signed through 2023 with the Lions after being picked No. 8 overall in 2019. Even so, he has developed as one of the team’s most consistent weapons over the previous two seasons and might soon be rewarded as a result.



 It’s possible that his success since 2020 might make him one of the highest-paid players in his position. By signing a new contract before or early in the 2022 season, Hockenson could fairly expect to earn at least $13.7 million per year, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends.



<h2>T.J. Hockenson set for long-term future in Detriot</h2>



Even though Hockenson is unlikely to match the average annual earnings of elite tight ends like George Kittle, with $15 million, and Travis Kelce with $14.3 million, who lead the tight end market thanks to multiple 1,000-yard outings. In terms of pass-catching, the 25-year-old has been just as good as or better than four out of the five veterans who make over $12 million a year at the same position.



After signing center Frank Ragnow to a record-setting contract in May, the Lions haven’t been bashful about locking up their best young players. Hockenson is under contract until the 2023 season thanks to the fifth-year option, but it seems like the Lions aren’t going to waste any time in securing one of their best players.

Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson Reflects on His Journey After Being Passed on by Jaguars at No. 1

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Anthony Richardson

Jared Goff gets strong support from Lions HC Dan Campbell

NFL Rumors: Lions to make T.J. Hockenson one of NFL's highest-paid tight ends with new deal

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