By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s search for Aidan Hutchinson’s ideal running mate may finally end with Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei
Detroit’s Ongoing Search for a Defensive Difference-Maker
For three consecutive seasons, the Detroit Lions have been on a relentless hunt for a capable complement to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Despite flashes from rotational players and short-term contributors, the front office has yet to find a long-term solution to solidify the other side of the defensive line.
That could soon change. A recent 2026 NFL mock draft from The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner projects the Lions to make a bold first-round move — selecting Oregon standout Matayo Uiagalelei, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound edge rusher who’s been turning heads with his blend of power, athleticism, and versatility.
“The Lions could look for offensive line help in the first round (either tackle or interior O-line), but a long-term answer opposite Aidan Hutchinson still remains at least a possibility,” Baumgardner wrote. “Uiagalelei, yet another young Oregon defender, has the ability to convert speed to power while playing multiple spots up front. He’d be a perfect Hutchinson complement.”
Uiagalelei’s Athletic Profile: A Complete Game-Changer
Uiagalelei’s unique skill set has already drawn national attention. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder ranks him among the top five edge rushers in the upcoming draft, praising his fluidity and refined instincts.
“Impressive agility to be an effective looper on line games, Uiagalelei takes efficient paths to the quarterback by gaining ground vertically while moving laterally,” Holder noted. “Athletic enough to occasionally drop in coverage, he’s made a handful of impact plays when asked to play zone rather than rush the passer.”
That adaptability — the ability to rush from multiple angles and even play in space — is exactly what the Lions’ defense has been missing. Detroit’s pass rush has leaned heavily on Hutchinson, who consistently draws double teams and chip blocks. A dynamic edge presence opposite him could unlock the full potential of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme.
Hutchinson Back in Dominant Form
After suffering a season-ending leg injury in 2024, Hutchinson has returned with renewed energy and impact. Through the first eight games of 2025, he’s already racked up 7.0 sacks and remains the heartbeat of Detroit’s defense — both on and off the field.
“I just feel like we have a winning culture here, and when losses happen, we know it can’t happen twice in a row,” Hutchinson said via MLive.com. “It’s a credit to this coaching staff and the guys on this team. We know the Commanders are going to be rolling, so we’ve got to go out there and execute.”
Still, Hutchinson didn’t mince words about Detroit’s defensive lapses in the loss to the Vikings.
“There was not a lot of flow in that game, I feel like, in all three phases,” he admitted. “When the flow doesn’t seem to be there, we’ve got to find a way to win those games — and we almost did.”
A Perfect Match for Detroit’s Defensive Identity
If Baumgardner’s projection proves accurate, Matayo Uiagalelei could be the missing piece that completes the Lions’ defensive puzzle. His size, athletic range, and ability to disrupt from multiple alignments mirror the traits that made Hutchinson an All-Pro.
For a team built on grit, accountability, and relentless effort, Uiagalelei isn’t just a potential draft pick — he represents the next evolution of Detroit’s defensive identity.
And if he truly is the “perfect Hutchinson complement,” the Lions’ long-standing search for balance in the trenches might finally be over.