Aidan Hutchinson keeps serving a weekly dose of regret to struggling Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't off to a great start in 2024. Meanwhile, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, a player they could've drafted in 2022, keeps making an impact for the Detroit Lions.

Hutchinson registered four sacks in Week 2, three in the first half. He had another one in the season opener for a total of five. It's fair to say that the Lions were pleased the former Michigan Wolverine fell to them in the 2022 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Travon Walker hasn't been much of a factor against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.

Granted, Walker had two sacks in the opener but he hasn't done much of note against the Browns. This is noteworthy because Cleveland is without starting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin. Moreover, backup tackle Dawand Jones left the game after suffering an injury.

But despite not having optimal protection, the Browns have done a solid job of protecting Deshaun Watson, giving up just one sack.

While it's true that sacks aren't the only way to measure a pass rusher's success or lack thereof, they're a good indicator of how good he is. After all, if you take the quarterback down, you can bring a drive to an end or kill momentum. In Hutchinson's case, he's proved to be everything the Lions hoped and could surely help Jacksonville right now.

In 35 games, Hutchinson has logged 26 sacks, three forced fumbles, and four interceptions. On the other hand, Walker has 15.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception.

The Jaguars will continue to be questioned for drafting Travon Walker over Aidan Hutchinson

The Jaguars selected Travon Walker first overall in the 2022 draft even though he was a project because they believed he had a bigger upside than Aidan Hutchinson. The former Georgia Bulldog has certainly made strides the past two years but he's yet to become the franchise cornerstone they expected.

Maybe Walker will eventually become that player but he's got a long way to go. Now, he's not the reason the Jaguars' defense as a whole is struggling but it's fair to wonder how much better the group would be if they had Hutchinson in the fold.

You could make the case that it's not fair to compare Walker to Hutchinson but they'll forever be linked because the Jags could've drafted Hutchinson. And if that's how things had played out, the Lions' brass has stated that it would've gone with Walker, and their careers might've taken different paths.

In the end, the Lions were thrilled to have Hutchinson fall to them while the Jaguars can only hope Walker keeps getting better.

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