{"id":916444,"date":"2026-06-12T01:21:20","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T01:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/916444\/"},"modified":"2026-06-12T01:21:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T01:21:20","slug":"head-coach-dan-campbell-says-detroit-lions-further-along-as-otas-near-conclusion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/916444\/","title":{"rendered":"Head coach Dan Campbell says Detroit Lions \u2018further along\u2019 as OTAs near conclusion"},"content":{"rendered":"

ALLEN PARK, Mich. \u2013 Detroit Lions<\/a> head coach Dan Campbell<\/a> said the team is making steady progress through organized team activities, praising the group\u2019s effort as the offseason program nears its conclusion.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally nothing new to update for us,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cThis will be OTA number nine, and then we\u2019ll have two next week for vet minicamp and get them out of here. But they\u2019re doing a good job. They\u2019re putting in the work.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like where we\u2019re testing each other on both sides of the ball,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cI feel like we\u2019re getting better with the restrictions that are upon us this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Campbell credited veteran players for helping set the tone and said continuity with the coaching staff has helped accelerate development.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly our veteran guys, the leaders of this team, they\u2019ve been here, and they\u2019re just trying to improve,\u201d Campbell said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re expanding on things, finding things that fit us schematically,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cWe\u2019re further along there, which would make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mental processing key during spring practices<\/p>\n

Campbell also emphasized the importance of mental processing during OTAs, where physical contact is limited.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you get is you\u2019ve got to be able to process the information,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cYou\u2019re seeing the conflict that both sides of the ball are creating for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Campbell said controlled competition during spring practices helps prepare players for training camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe more we can create issues for one another, the better we will be,\u201d Campbell said.<\/p>\n

Coaching staff, player development<\/p>\n

Campbell praised assistant coach Dan Skipper<\/a> for his early work in a coaching role, calling him a natural fit within the organization.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe fits us like a glove,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cHis temperament, the way he goes about his business, he\u2019s a professional.\u201d<\/p>\n

Campbell also discussed early development from younger players, including offensive lineman Blake Miller<\/a>, noting that growth will come through repetition and exposure.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wants to do it right,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cHe\u2019s learning every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Campbell said safety Thomas Harper<\/a>, who made nine starts last season, showed promise but still needs consistency.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe like the ability,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cWe just need to know he\u2019ll do it time in, time out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Edge rush, roster notes<\/p>\n

Campbell said the Lions\u2019 edge-rush group has added length and athleticism, highlighting early impressions of several newcomers while noting that the evaluation remains ongoing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got some length now,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got size and athletic ability on the perimeter.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said early returns on players such as former Michigan Wolverines<\/a> star Aidan Hutchinson<\/a> and other edge contributors have been encouraging, but stressed that training camp will provide a clearer evaluation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re intrigued,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cBut we won\u2019t know until camp.\u201d<\/p>\n

Injuries, lineup flexibility<\/p>\n

Campbell provided updates on several players dealing with minor injuries and illnesses, saying most are expected to be ready for training camp.<\/p>\n

He also addressed the ongoing recovery of safety Brian Branch<\/a>, who is working back from an Achilles injury.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no setbacks with him,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cHe\u2019s doing a good job, but I hate to start throwing a timetable on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Campbell added that the team is taking a cautious approach with long-term health in mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe always want to know our guys are healthy,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cThat it\u2019s truly healed before we bring them back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking ahead<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t really get much better just lining up and going vanilla,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cThe more we can create issues for one another, the better we will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

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