The NFL is a league defined by its relentless competition, where every season brings new stars to the forefront and established veterans face fresh challenges to maintain their dominance. One of the most prestigious individual honors a defensive player can achieve is the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, a recognition reserved for the most disruptive, game-changing forces in the league. In recent years, players like Aaron Donald, T.J. Watt, and Myles Garrett have dominated the conversation, but a new challenger has emerged in the form of Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions’ rising star. As the 2024 season unfolds, Hutchinson is positioning himself as the primary threat to unseat the current standout defender—likely Garrett or Watt—for the league’s premier defensive accolade.
Hutchinson’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Drafted second overall in 2022, the former Michigan Wolverine entered the league with sky-high expectations. His rookie campaign was solid, showcasing flashes of brilliance with 9.5 sacks and three interceptions, but it was in his second season where he truly announced himself as a force to be reckoned with. By refining his technique, increasing his burst off the line, and developing a more diverse pass-rush arsenal, Hutchinson racked up 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and an impressive seven pass deflections. His ability to impact games beyond just sacks—whether batting down passes, setting the edge against the run, or generating consistent pressure—has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most complete defensive ends.
Now, entering his third season, Hutchinson appears poised to take the leap from “very good” to “elite.” His physical tools have always been impressive—standing at 6’7″ with a relentless motor and explosive first step—but what has elevated his game is his football IQ. Hutchinson has developed an uncanny ability to diagnose plays before they develop, using his length and hand-fighting skills to disrupt offensive schemes. Coaches and teammates have raved about his work ethic, with Lions head coach Dan Campbell calling him “the kind of player who sets the tone for the entire defense.”
The Defensive Player of the Year award, however, is not easily won. The competition is fierce, with established superstars like Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and Micah Parsons all vying for the honor. Garrett, in particular, has been a perennial contender, coming off a 2023 season where he tallied 14 sacks and consistently dominated offensive lines with his freakish athleticism. Watt, the 2021 DPOY, remains a nightmare for quarterbacks, leading the league in sacks multiple times and possessing an unmatched ability to take over games in critical moments. Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ versatile weapon, is a unique hybrid who can line up anywhere and wreak havoc as both a pass rusher and coverage defender.
So, what makes Hutchinson a legitimate challenger to these established stars? The answer lies in his trajectory, his team’s rising profile, and the intangible qualities that often separate great players from award winners. The Lions, long considered an afterthought in the NFC, have transformed into legitimate contenders under Campbell’s leadership. A strong team performance can bolster individual accolades, and if Detroit makes a deep playoff run with Hutchinson as the defensive centerpiece, voters will take notice. Additionally, Hutchinson’s well-rounded game—unlike some pure pass rushers, he is equally impactful against the run—gives him an edge in the all-around impact debate that often sways DPOY voting.
Another factor working in Hutchinson’s favor is narrative. The NFL loves a breakout star, and if he can surpass the 15-sack mark while leading the Lions to a division title, the storyline of his rise could resonate with voters. Garrett and Watt have already cemented their legacies, which sometimes leads to voter fatigue; Hutchinson, as the fresh face with a compelling case, could benefit from the desire to recognize new talent.
Of course, statistics will ultimately decide the race. The last five DPOY winners have all recorded at least 15 sacks, with Watt’s 22.5-sack season in 2021 standing as the gold standard. Hutchinson will need to approach that territory to have a realistic shot, but his ability to contribute in other ways—forced fumbles, quarterback pressures, and game-changing plays—could compensate if his sack total isn’t quite at the very top of the league. Additionally, his presence in big moments—strip-sacks in crucial games, key stops in the fourth quarter—will amplify his case.
Defensive Player of the Year is not just about numbers; it’s about fear. The most dominant defenders alter game plans, forcing offensive coordinators to scheme specifically against them. Hutchinson is beginning to command that level of respect. Opposing teams are increasingly double-teaming him, using chip blocks from tight ends and running backs to slow him down—a clear sign that he’s viewed as a premier threat. If he continues to produce despite these extra attentions, his DPOY argument will only strengthen.
The road ahead won’t be easy. Garrett, Watt, and Parsons are all in their primes, and any of them could have a career year that locks up the award. But Hutchinson’s combination of youth, talent, and opportunity makes him the most compelling challenger to the throne. If he maintains his upward trajectory and leads the Lions’ defense to new heights, he could very well become the first Detroit player since 1999 (when cornerback Bryant Young won) to claim the NFL’s top defensive honor.
In the end, the Defensive Player of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2024 season. Aidan Hutchinson has all the tools, the drive, and the supporting cast to make a serious run at the award. Whether he can unseat the established giants of the game remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the league has taken notice, and Hutchinson is no longer just a promising young player—he’s a bona fide superstar in the making.
