Aidan Hutchinson Talked with J.J. Watt About Second-Year Jump
Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is expected to make a drastic leap forward in his second NFL season.
A player who recorded 9.5 sacks and three interceptions in his rookie season has the ability to top those admirable statistical achievements in Aaron Glenn's defense.
Being a student of the game, including having multiple conversations with other active and retired players, will only serve to make the former No. 2 pick even that much more productive.
Speaking with SiriusXM after practice, Hutchinson indicated he recently had a conversation with recently retired defensive lineman J.J. Watt about the jump from being a rookie to a player entering their second NFL season.
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"I actually just had a really good conversation with J.J. Watt, just talking to him about kind of what he did in order to make his jump from Year 1 to Year 2," said Hutchinson. "Because that Year 2, he had 21 sacks. I think I'm very interested in talking to guys around the league -- especially those that played the game and played it at a high level, to hear what they have to say.
"I've kind of looked at everybody very critically to see if I can (learn) something. It's very little things at this level of the game," Hutchinson continued. "All the knowledge is there. You just got to pick and choose what you're going to implement. But, once you hear the little nuggets from different people, I think it's important to implement those kind of things."
Jumping offside at practice
At practice, the offense were quite pleased to force one of the leaders of the defense to jump offsides.
When asked if he was drawn offsides, Hutchinson took accountability for jumping early.
"That was me, Hutchinson admitted, when asked if it was he or Penei Sewell that moved early first. "That was a, that was a lapse in judgment. But you know what? I'm happy that it happened in practice."
Impression of Jack Campbell
Now that he has a year of action under his belt, Hutchinson can relate to the situation rookie Jack Campbell is facing, as the young linebacker is learning all aspects of the defense at a very fast rate.
"Jack is one of those guys that picks stuff, picks stuff up real fast," said Hutchinson. "So, I don't think you have to tell that that guy more than once what to do, if he screws something up. I think Jack will be just fine figuring this whole game out.
"I think he's doing a hell of a job in camp so far," Hutchinson continued. I just think he's a very, he's a great listener, man. He picks things up real fast and is super athletic. I think he's going to be a hell of a player for us."
