Lions’ Jared Goff Says Aidan Hutchinson Looks Like a ‘Monster’ Early in Training Camp…see more…
The Detroit Lions are ramping up their training camp, and already, one name is turning heads—Aidan Hutchinson. The third-year defensive end is making waves not just with his relentless effort and playmaking, but with the vocal support of his quarterback, Jared Goff, who had high praise for the pass rusher this week.
“He looks like a monster out there,” Goff told reporters following Wednesday’s joint practice. “He’s faster, stronger, more confident—just looks like he’s ready to dominate.”
That word—monster—isn’t one to be thrown around lightly in NFL circles. But it seems appropriate for Hutchinson, who’s coming off a 2024 season where he racked up 11.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and continued to emerge as the emotional leader of Detroit’s young, aggressive defense. He’s shown up to training camp looking leaner, more explosive, and determined to elevate his game to an All-Pro level.
Offseason Transformation
Hutchinson spent the offseason training with renowned defensive line specialist Chuck Smith in Atlanta. According to those close to the player, the emphasis was on improving his hand usage and refining his pass-rush counters.
“I took last season and just went to the tape,” Hutchinson said earlier this week. “There were plays I left out there—QB hits that could’ve been sacks, run stops that turned into five-yard gains. That’s not who I want to be.”
Lions coaches have taken notice. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn commented, “He’s moving with a different kind of purpose. You see the work he put in—he’s winning reps against some of our best linemen.”
Goff vs. Hutchinson in Camp Battles
The Lions’ padded practices have already included several spirited matchups between the offense and defense, and Goff has had a front-row seat to Hutchinson’s development. One rep during Monday’s team drills saw Hutchinson beat right tackle Penei Sewell with an inside swim move, forcing Goff to throw early on a designed deep shot to Jameson Williams.
“He’s getting off the line faster, and you can feel him collapsing the pocket quicker,” said Goff. “That internal clock speeds up when you know 97’s coming.”
Goff isn’t just being polite either. The former No. 1 overall pick has seen elite edge rushers before—from Aaron Donald and Von Miller in L.A. to Micah Parsons and Maxx Crosby more recently. When he says Hutchinson looks like a “monster,” it’s with the weight of real experience.
Leadership Role Expanding
Beyond his play on the field, Hutchinson’s voice in the locker room is growing louder. With veterans like Charles Harris and Romeo Okwara no longer on the roster, Hutchinson has taken ownership of the defensive line room. He leads drills, encourages younger players like rookie Mekhi Wingo and third-year end James Houston, and holds teammates accountable in meetings.
“He’s our tone-setter,” said linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. “When Hutch is on, everyone feeds off that energy.”
That leadership is something head coach Dan Campbell values deeply. “You want your best players to also be your hardest workers and biggest motivators,” Campbell said. “That’s Hutch. He’s walking the talk every single day.”
Building on Momentum
The Lions enter 2025 with perhaps their highest expectations in over a decade. Following a run to the NFC Championship Game last season, there’s real belief in Detroit’s ability to not just contend, but win it all.
Much of that hinges on the defense’s improvement—specifically its pass rush. The Lions finished 20th in sacks last season and struggled to close games late due to a lack of consistent pressure. Hutchinson’s continued emergence is central to reversing that trend.
Analysts agree. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger recently stated, “If Hutchinson takes the leap from very good to elite, that Detroit defense becomes scary. He has that type of upside.”
Pro Football Focus has also noted Hutchinson’s efficiency, highlighting that his pass-rush win rate was among the top 15 in the NFL despite facing frequent double teams.
Staying Grounded
Still, Hutchinson remains humble. He often deflects credit to teammates and emphasizes the team’s goals over individual accolades.
“I don’t care if I get 10 sacks or 20,” Hutchinson said. “If we’re winning games, playing physical, and hitting our stride at the right time, I’ll be happy.”
That attitude has endeared him to fans and teammates alike. On social media, Lions supporters have dubbed this training camp “The Summer of Hutch,” pointing to highlight reels of his explosive reps and mic’d-up leadership moments.
Eyes on the Season
The Lions will get a clearer picture of Hutchinson’s progress in upcoming joint practices and preseason matchups, including a pivotal week of practice with the Ravens. There, he’ll have the chance to face off against elite offensive tackles like Ronnie Stanley—another test that will show just how far he’s come.
But inside Allen Park, there’s already a growing buzz: Aidan Hutchinson looks different. He looks better. And if Jared Goff’s assessment is any indication, Detroit’s defense may be fueled by a rising star ready to wreak havoc across the NFC.
“He’s playing with that edge,” Goff said again on Thursday. “He’s a guy you don’t want to play against. Luckily, I only have to face him in
practice.”
And even in practice, that’s more than enough.
