Aidan Hutchinson 2024 DPOY???
By Scott King
Twitter/X: @NFLFantasy_More
The Detroit Lions are entering the 2024 NFL season with high expectations after making a surprising run to the NFC Championship last year.
Their performance has energized a fan base eager for sustained success, and the Lions’ front office responded by bolstering key areas during the offseason. Detroit focused heavily on improving their secondary, selecting cornerbacks early and often in the draft, aiming to shore up a unit that will face some of the NFL’s top offenses. While the team brings back many of its key players from last season’s deep playoff run, questions remain, particularly at wide receiver and linebacker depth. The Lions plan to carry 10-12 defensive backs into the season, but the big question is whether they can develop 4-5 top-tier starters from this group to solidify their pass defense.
Despite these uncertainties, the Lions have the pieces in place to be legitimate contenders. Aidan Hutchinson is primed for a Defensive Player of the Year-type season, building on his strong sophomore campaign. His presence on the defensive line, paired with emerging talents like Mekaiah Wingo from LSU, who is expected to make plays in the middle, gives Detroit a formidable front.
| Game | Def | Def | Def | Def | Def | Fumb | Fumb | Fumb | Fumb | Fumb | Tack | Tack | Tack | Tack | Tack | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Tm | G | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | Fmb | FR | Yds | TD | Sk | Comb | Solo | Ast | TFL | QBHits |
| 2022 | DET | 17 | 3 | 25 | 0 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9.5 | 52 | 34 | 18 | 9 | 15 |
| 2023* | DET | 17 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 11.5 | 51 | 36 | 15 | 14 | 33 |
| Care | 34 | 4 | 31 | 0 | 20 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 21.0 | 103 | 70 | 33 | 23 | 48 |
Offensively, the Lions need to find reliable contributors behind their top wideouts to maintain a balanced attack. If they can address these depth concerns and continue to develop their young secondary, a repeat trip to the NFC Championship isn’t out of reach. With an 11-6 record as a realistic projection, the Lions are poised to make another serious run at a Super Bowl berth.