ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said the team is making steady progress through organized team activities, praising the group’s effort as the offseason program nears its conclusion.
Campbell spoke Thursday (June 11) after Day 9 of OTAs, noting the Lions will hold two more sessions next week before wrapping up their veteran minicamp.
“Really nothing new to update for us,” Campbell said. “This will be OTA number nine, and then we’ll have two next week for vet minicamp and get them out of here. But they’re doing a good job. They’re putting in the work.”
Campbell said he likes the competitive environment on both sides of the ball and believes the team is further along in its offseason development compared to last year.
“I like where we’re testing each other on both sides of the ball,” Campbell said. “I feel like we’re getting better with the restrictions that are upon us this time of year.”
Campbell credited veteran players for helping set the tone and said continuity with the coaching staff has helped accelerate development.
“Certainly our veteran guys, the leaders of this team, they’ve been here, and they’re just trying to improve,” Campbell said.
Campbell said the team is beginning to refine schematic details on both offense and defense, adding that new ideas from the coaching staff have blended well with the existing system.
“We’re expanding on things, finding things that fit us schematically,” Campbell said. “We’re further along there, which would make sense.”
Mental processing key during spring practices
Campbell also emphasized the importance of mental processing during OTAs, where physical contact is limited.
“What you get is you’ve got to be able to process the information,” Campbell said. “You’re seeing the conflict that both sides of the ball are creating for each other.”
Campbell said controlled competition during spring practices helps prepare players for training camp.
“The more we can create issues for one another, the better we will be,” Campbell said.
Coaching staff, player development
Campbell praised assistant coach Dan Skipper for his early work in a coaching role, calling him a natural fit within the organization.
“He fits us like a glove,” Campbell said. “His temperament, the way he goes about his business, he’s a professional.”
Campbell also discussed early development from younger players, including offensive lineman Blake Miller, noting that growth will come through repetition and exposure.
“He wants to do it right,” Campbell said. “He’s learning every day.”
Campbell said safety Thomas Harper, who made nine starts last season, showed promise but still needs consistency.
“We like the ability,” Campbell said. “We just need to know he’ll do it time in, time out.”
Edge rush, roster notes
Campbell said the Lions’ edge-rush group has added length and athleticism, highlighting early impressions of several newcomers while noting that the evaluation remains ongoing.
“We’ve got some length now,” Campbell said. “We’ve got size and athletic ability on the perimeter.”
He said early returns on players such as former Michigan Wolverines star Aidan Hutchinson and other edge contributors have been encouraging, but stressed that training camp will provide a clearer evaluation.
“We’re intrigued,” Campbell said. “But we won’t know until camp.”
Injuries, lineup flexibility
Campbell provided updates on several players dealing with minor injuries and illnesses, saying most are expected to be ready for training camp.
He also addressed the ongoing recovery of safety Brian Branch, who is working back from an Achilles injury.
“There’s no setbacks with him,” Campbell said. “He’s doing a good job, but I hate to start throwing a timetable on him.”
Campbell added that the team is taking a cautious approach with long-term health in mind.
“We always want to know our guys are healthy,” Campbell said. “That it’s truly healed before we bring them back.”
Looking ahead
Campbell said the Lions will conclude OTAs next week before shifting fully into summer preparation and training camp. For now, he said, the focus remains on incremental improvement.
“You don’t really get much better just lining up and going vanilla,” Campbell said. “The more we can create issues for one another, the better we will be.”
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