The Detroit Lions continue to make news for positive reasons.
Following a 2022 NFL Draft that was largely praised by analysts, more good things have emerged in the last month.
Whether it be rookie camp, OTAs, or just good news for family members, the momentum train seems to be gaining steam in Detroit.
Aidan, Aria Hutchinson both have good showings
It’s a happy time in the Hutchinson household.
Their son, Aidan, is looking strong in rookie camp and OTAs. He’s making quick work of the Detroit backups on the offensive line, showing he’s ready for the challenge at the next level.
To make matters better for the Hutchinson clan, their daughter Aria was named Miss Michigan last weekend.
The 23-year-old bested a field of 78 contenders in Port Huron and will now compete in the 2022 Miss USA pageant in November.
It makes sense why Dan Campbell says Aidan has the DNA to be successful.
Dan Campbell needs pants
Campbell has been known for creating some interesting sound bites in his brief time as head coach of the Detroit Lions.
He added another to the list last week.
When asked about the potential of losing defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn during the offseason, Campbell offered this nugget:
“I thought he was going to be gone, and I was going to be happy as hell for him,” Campbell said. “But the thought of losing him, I just had this feeling of like I was going to be walking around without any pants on.”
Glenn saw some offseason interview for vacant head coaching jobs and is expected to make the jump to the next level in upcoming seasons.
The Lions finished near the bottom of the NFL in defense last year. Despite that, most feel there was noticeable growth throughout the season. The development of the younger talent on the unit was also noticeable.
Jeff Okudah on the road to redemption
Being put in the comparison pool to Darko Milicic isn’t where you want to be.
Known for being one of the biggest busts in NBA Draft history, Milicic was taken No. 2 overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2003. A draft that saw the Pistons pass up the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.
In 2020, the Detroit Lions drafted Jeff Okudah No. 3 overall and it hasn’t been a pretty relationship thus far.
Okudah’s rookie year saw him graded as one of the worst corners in the league overall. His sophomore season saw him rupture his Achilles tendon in the season opener.
Expectations for Okudah are low entering 2022, but it could also lead to a great comeback story. Okudah is taking part in walkthrough drills and doing some light jogging, so his recovery from the Achilles injury seems to be on schedule.
While Okudah may never live up to the No. 3 selection, becoming a reliable starter would be a big step for this Lions defense.
When will Jameson Williams debut?
When Brad Holmes made the bold move to trade up 20 spots in the first round to take Jameson Williams, it obviously came with a lot of confidence in his abilities.
However, coming off an ACL injury that occurred on Jan. 10, the question remains as to when Williams will actually suit up for the Lions in 2022, if at all.
The Alabama receiver has put it out there that he expects to be ready for the season opener. His surgeon, Dr. Lyle Cain, knows the Lions will likely be more conservative with him.
“Jameson’s goal is to play first preseason game, obviously,” Cain told the Detroit Free Press. “I told him, I said, ‘Look, depending on which team you go to, most teams are probably — they’re going to be very conservative. You’ve got to understand that.’ And he’ll get talked into it, but I know he’s, in his mind said he’s going to be ready Game 1.”
Detroit has been non-committal about when they expect Williams to see the field.
Let’s hope Ben Johnson is more creative than his name
Detroit has a new offensive coordinator for 2022 and his name is Ben Johnson.
When you Google that name, one of the first questions is “Was Ben Johnson a good horseman?”, but nothing about an offensive coordinator.
Whether he can ride a horse or not, Lions fans are hoping he can bring a little sizzle to the Detroit offense in 2022.
The former North Carolina quarterback was promoted from tight ends coach last season to his new position. Johnson also had a role in developing the passing game last fall, which improved late in the season.
Buzz about Ben Johnson is that he will run an up-tempo offense. Expectations is that he will still have a balance of run and pass.
With Detroit adding more weapons to the pass game in the offseason, it seems reasonable to believe Jared Goff will get a chance to actually thrown downfield in 2022.
If Goff is unable to do that, then perhaps it’s the clear sign the Lions need a new starting QB for 2023.
That’s the bottom line, because Ben Johnson said so.
