Inside the Article:
The 2023 NFL regular season is just 10 weeks away, and the expectation is that the Detroit Lions will rise up and win the NFC North for the first time. (In case you forgot, it was called the NFC Central the last time the Lions won their division). But the hope is not just that the Lions can make a run in 2023, but for years to come. The reason for that is that GM Brad Holmes has infused the team with a ton of young talent. That being said, Nick Shook of NFL.com recently released his ‘2023 NFL All-Under-25 Team’ and only one Lions player made the cut. That player is EDGE, Aidan Hutchinson, who is going into his second season in the league.
1 Detroit Lions player makes ‘2023 NFL All-Under-25 Team’
Here is what Shook has to say about Hutchinson being the Lions’ only representative on the All-Under-25 team for the 2023 season:
“Hutchinson led all rookies with 9.5 sacks last season. In a typical year, that production probably would earn him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but he happened to be part of the same draft class as Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, who won the award. Hutchinson’s three interceptions further underscore how much of an impact he can have on a game. I can’t wait to see what he does in Year 2.”
Did the Lions get snubbed?
Two other Lions’ players who were surely considered for this list are WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and OT Penei Sewell, who are each among the best players at their position in the entire NFL. The two wide receivers to get the nod over St. Brown are Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, which seems perfectly fair. As far as Sewell goes, the two OTs to make the team are Tristan Wirfs and Andrew Thomas, which also seems fair. So, did the Lions get snubbed? I don’t think so.
Key Points
- Aidan Hutchinson’s inclusion on the ‘2023 NFL All-Under-25 Team’ validates his impact as a rising star for the Detroit Lions. Leading all rookies in sacks and showcasing his playmaking ability with interceptions, Hutchinson deservedly earned his spot on the team.
- While the Lions had only one representative on the list, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a snub. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell, who are among the best players at their positions in the entire NFL, faced tough competition from other exceptional talents. The selections of Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Tristan Wirfs, and Andrew Thomas were well-deserved.
- With a talented GM like Brad Holmes infusing the team with young talent, the Lions’ future looks promising. While they may have missed out on more selections, the team is heading in the right direction, and their focus is not just on the 2023 season but on building a competitive roster for years to come.
Bottom Line: Heading in the right direction
While the Detroit Lions only had one player, Aidan Hutchinson, make the ‘2023 NFL All-Under-25 Team,’ it doesn’t necessarily mean they were snubbed. Hutchinson’s impressive rookie season, leading all rookies in sacks and displaying his impact with interceptions, rightfully earned him a spot on the team. Meanwhile, players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell were undoubtedly considered but faced tough competition in their respective positions. Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Tristan Wirfs, and Andrew Thomas are exceptional talents deserving of recognition. The Lions’ future looks promising with a talented GM like Brad Holmes, and while they may have missed out on more selections, it’s clear that the team is heading in the right direction.
