Aidan Hutchinson joins Ben Johnson in NFL AP awards nominations.

The Detroit Lions draft class of 2022 continues to pay dividends when it comes to honors. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. He joins Jets cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen as the candidates.

Next up on the nomination side, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was nominated as a finalist for AP Assistant Coach of the Year. He is joined by 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. The winners will be announced at NFL Honors on February 9th.

On Tuesday, Hutchinson and Malcolm Rodriguez were named to the PFWA (Pro Football Writers of America) All Rookie Team. Sauce Gardner won the PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year award and if you are curious who was the last Lions player to win that, it was Ndamukong Suh in 2011.

Here is the complete list of the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team:

Hutchinson’s 9.5 sacks led all NFL rookies. His three against Washington in Week Two was the most by a rookie since 2019. While the snub for Lions head coach Dan Campbell does sting a little, Lions fans can continue to enjoy the ongoing recognition for the players.