Newly minted Lions looking to transform team's culture
Michigan native Aidan Hutchinson knows all too well of the struggles of the Detroit Lions.
The University of Michigan defensive end, who went second overall to the Lions, talked about growing up watching the team, which included an 0-16 campaign in 2008, during his introductory press conference on Friday.
“Not a ton of great memories,” Hutchinson said. “We went through an 0-16 season when I was growing up, but I've been to a couple Lions games before and the atmosphere is just great and when the Lions are winning ball games, it's like happy wife, happy life. Like, the fans are so into it.”
Receiver Jameson Williams, who the Lions sent a third-round pick to Minnesota and flipped picks in the first and second rounds to move up 20 spots to select, grew up in St. Louis. But he knows exactly where he's landed.
When the two were introduced to the media on Friday, Williams said he expects the two first-round picks to help turn things around.
“I'm just looking forward to getting going,” Williams said. “Me and Aidan, to change the culture and turn things around in Detroit. I'm excited to get going. I'm excited to be here (and) I'm ready.”
Coming off a 3-13-1 season in head coach Dan Campbell's first season, Hutchinson believes the team is headed in the right direction.
“We got the right pieces coming in,” said the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Hutchinson, who set a University of Michigan record with 14 sacks a year ago. “I think the coaches are right, so we can get this ball rolling.”
Hutchinson's exploits in helping Michigan to a Big Ten title are well documented. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist while being named the Lombardi Award winner as college football lineman of the year and the Ted Hendricks Award as college football's top defensive end. Many figured him to be the top pick of the draft, but he dropped to the Lions and he was grateful.
“It was such an honour to be on that stage and be picked by the Lions,” Hutchinson said. “It was Lions all the way.
“The whole draft process, I wanted them to pick me. I'm so grateful that I went No. 2 to them. It was so good.”
The 6-foot-2, 189-pound Williams transferred to Alabama last season after two seasons at Ohio State and earned all-american honours. Many expected him to be a top five pick, but he slipped after suffering a torn ACL in the national championship game and the Lions jumped to move up 20 places and take him 12th overall.
Williams said his plan is to be ready to participate in training and possibly be ready to start the season.
“Flipping this program around, that's the main goal,” Williams said. “Winning games, getting in the playoffs and having fun.”
The Lions went right back to defensive end in the second round of Friday's NFL draft. With the 14th pick in the second round, which was part of the return on the trade with Minnesota on Thursday to trade up and get Williams, the Lions selected Kentucky's Joshua Paschal.
“Versatility is one of the biggest keys to my game,” said Paschal. “I move all across the front. Whatever it is, I'll be able to pick it up.”