This early in a season, if even one player from your rookie class is playing at a high level, you are doing well. If you have two that are quickly becoming key pieces to your defense? Well, then you are really cooking. That’s exactly where Detroit Lions’ general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell currently find themselves.
Second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson and sixth-round linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez both played integral roles in the Lions’ 36-27 victory in Week 2 over the Washington Commanders. Each started the game, made several impact plays, and were leaned on heavily in terms of how much they were on the field.