We all know about Detroit Lions' defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and the impact he had during last year's rookie season. 

But, just for those more unfamiliar: Per Pro Football Focus, Hutchinson posted a 80.6 defense grade that included a pass-rushing grade of 70.3. In terms of box stats, he finished the year with 9.5 sacks, 15 QB hits, and three interceptions. 

However, Hutchinson wasn't the only 2022 rookie to have success on the Lions defense.

James Houston was selected in the sixth round at 217 overall. Sixth-round draft picks aren't guaranteed to make the team, much less have a meaningful impact. 

It looked like Houston was going to fall into the "typical" category – he didn't step on the field until Week 12. He certainly made a meaningful impact, however. 

Houston finished the season with 8.0 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 11 QB hits – all on a minuscule 92 pass-rushing snaps (compared to Hutchinson's 566). Granted the sample size is smaller but that still doesn't make Houston's performance any less impressive.

People are noticing Houston's rookie season, too. The performance landed him on PFF's 3 most impressive under-the-radar young edge rushers in the NFL going into the season. Along with Hutchinson, the Lions certainly have something cooking in the pass rush department.

In team building, it is very important to hit on rookies at premium positions. If you select a player at a premium position and he turns out to be very good, it allows you to have him on a cheap contract for the next four to five years. Thus allowing you to have money to spend on other areas to fill out the team and make it a championship contender. The Lions appear to have hit on both edge spots and they are both on their rookie contract. If they keep up their level of play it could serve as a quick jump start towards making the Lions a perennial play-off team. 

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