LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: Aidan Hutchinson poses onstage after being selected second by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
As it turns out, the Detroit Lions really did run in their card to draft Aidan Hutchinson, and it made the NFL mad.
The NFL Draft began with the Jacksonville Jaguars selecting Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker with the first-overall pick. The Detroit Lions then selected who many thought would be the top pick in Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. But how did the Lions anger the NFL with this pick?
NFL writer Peter King wrote in his latest Football Morning in America column that the Lions called in to let the league know they were selecting Hutchinson a minute after Walker was drafted by the Jaguars.
One Lions official said they “turned the card in so fast the league got mad at us.”
Lions made the NFL angry for turning in Aidan Hutchinson card so quickly
As soon as the Lions were on the clock, it felt like the pick was in instantaneously. Sure enough, the team really wanted to keep Hutchinson in the state of Michigan and they were able to do so after Walker was picked by Jacksonville.
Hutchinson raised his NFL Draft stock this past season, as he recorded 62 total tackles (16.5 for loss), 14 sacks, three defended passes and two forced fumbles through 14 games with the Wolverines. Hutchinson played a role in Michigan winning the Big Ten championship and clinching a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Lions were not done making moves during the opening night of the NFL Draft. Detroit moved up to the No. 12 pick following a trade with the Minnesota Vikings to select Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams.
So there you have it. Once Hutchinson was available, the Lions did not hesitate to pick him.