Michael Brockers on Aidan Hutchinson: 'Has a Lot of Juice to Him'
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Michael Brockers has seen plenty over his 10 seasons as a player in the NFL.
The former Rams defensive end wrapped up his first season with the Detroit Lions in 2021. As a veteran within the league, he was called upon to be a leader to the youngsters alongside him on the defensive line.
As he looks ahead to his second year with the Lions, though, he’s begun to think about what might be next in his life after football.
“I’m fortunate to have that thought,” Brockers said. “I can see I’m on year 11, so I can see in my future that I don’t have too many more years left ahead of me. It’s definitely just been a thought. I started my own podcast, doing little things outside of football that’ll keep me busy.”
Brockers said his podcast provides an avenue for him to reflect and share his message. He’s got his sights set on playing 15 years, but is comfortable knowing that these will be his final years as a player.
As the elder statesman on the Lions, the 31-year-old is able to provide wisdom to the younger players that extends beyond the playing field. The relationship is symbiotic, however, as the youth in the locker room help shape small things for Brockers, too, like his music taste.
Brockers showed up early to minicamp hoping to create his presence, making himself available to teammates and coaches alike. With his children in school, he was already in the area.
Though he’s keen on helping the young players along, he’s not opposed to reminding everyone who’s in charge every once in a while.
“I’ll pull my OG card out a little bit and maybe make someone move a seat,” Brockers said.
Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports
Thoughts on scheme changes
After being a defense primarily set on playing with three down linemen last season, Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s unit is looking to shift gears and throw more four-down linemen looks at opponents this upcoming season.
This affects Brockers, a defensive end, as much as maybe anyone. Traditionally lining up on the outside and just inside of a rush outside linebacker in the 3-4, his role could change with the scheme shift.
The change is one he’s welcoming, though, as he pointed to being a part of similar defensive styles during his time with the Rams.
“You’ve got a 3-4 kind of feel to you, but it’s more attack than reading and freeing up the linebackers,” Brockers said. “Everybody has a gap. Hit your gap, win your gap and let’s go play some ball.”
Brockers said he’s been lining up as a strong-side defensive end, which he feels plays well into his strengths as a defender.
He’s competing for time alongside prized rookie Aidan Hutchinson, who was drafted second overall in the 2022 draft. The two of them worked out together at a facility in Los Angeles leading up to the draft, and the rookie has made a strong early impression on the veteran
“He’s a very big guy,” Brockers said. “He’s gonna fit well into our scheme. Has a lot of juice to him, you can see it already. He’s just gonna keep getting better, and that’s what’s the scary thing about him. He’s a guy who’s ready to learn. He’s like a sponge, he’ll pick up everything, has his own little niches about him. But, I’m very excited to have him on this team and have him on this defensive line.”
