What I heard about the Lions' new coordinators and potential draft picks at the combine

New York Times

04-03-2025

Here are 25 thoughts from the 2025 NFL Combine.
1. After hearing from new coordinators John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard, it didn't take long to understand why they were chosen. Lions fans and media have labeled certain prospects as 'Dan Campbell guys.' That applies to coaches, too. These two are true Dan Campbell guys.
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If I had to guess, there was intent behind one external hire and one internal. Sheppard has been here from the very beginning. He's the young, fiery, passionate coach who can command a room and act as an extension of Campbell, much like Glenn was. Morton is the veteran whose time with Campbell predates Campbell's Lions tenure. There's a clip from Hard Knocks a few years ago where Campbell asks his staff if they'd miss RB Craig Reynolds if Campbell cut him. Morton was the first coach to speak up in defense of Reynolds. Reynolds has been with the team ever since.
When new Lions OC John Morton stuck up for Craig Reynolds on Hard Knocks in 2022
'I wouldn't cut him, he's everything we represent'
We've got a good one 💙#OnePride pic.twitter.com/nlhIKYB3c0
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) February 12, 2025
I'm willing to bet that having both types of personalities — a veteran voice for the offense and a young and energetic leader for the defense — is something Campbell was looking for.
2. Let's start with Morton. I honestly didn't know what to expect personality-wise. But I came away impressed. He's rugged, he's authentic, all about ball. The thing that really piqued my interest was how both Campbell and Sean Payton noted his attention to detail. He's a grinder when it comes to situational football. He loves diving into tendencies and what the opponent does on third down, in the red zone, you name it. He just wants to put his players in a position to succeed.
'Super passionate,' Payton said of Morton in Indy. 'Man, he works his tail off. He's great with film study and ideas. He's one of those guys that'll bring you red zone, third down — like, a lot of information. …He'll do a great job.'
3. One thing that I might've overlooked about Morton is just how much he cherishes this opportunity. He was honest and candid about his stint as Jets OC. He said he wasn't ready for that job and alluded to how he's grown since then. You don't often hear that. I found it refreshing.
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Morton said he knows more about the quarterback position now vs. back then. He said he didn't know any coaches on the Jets staff. In Detroit, he'll be surrounded by coaches he knows and trusts — most notably former Stanford head coach and new Lions passing game coordinator David Shaw, who came up in the NFL with Morton. Morton called Shaw his 'best friend.' He's returning to a group of players he's worked with before, and the Lions have only added talent since he left. He said he doesn't have ambitions of being a head coach and talked about becoming the OC of his hometown team.
If this works out, Campbell will have hired a smart, veteran coach who could be in Detroit for the long haul. That's an incredibly valuable thing in a league where OCs are poached every offseason.
'It means the world,' Morton said. '…It's a dream, right? Not only am I an OC, but I'm in my hometown. I don't think that happens too much. So, I think it's really cool. I don't see it as pressure. I know what the people have been starving for. I mean, everybody is starving for a Super Bowl, but this town, I've seen the ups and the downs, from the very beginning from going to my first game at the Silverdome. …I know what it takes and it's my job to help us get there.'
Dan Campbell on John Morton and the #Lions offensive staff. pic.twitter.com/DdrPPa4Ber
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 25, 2025
4. Then there's Sheppard, the in-house hire. I'm told Sheppard had interest from other teams to leave Detroit. Instead, not only did Campbell retain his top remaining defensive assistant, he gave Sheppard the keys to run his defense. It's an opportunity that pretty much everyone in the organization — even Holmes, who walked into Sheppard's office and asked him what he needs for his defense — believes he's ready for. I expect Sheppard to take over as Campbell's right-hand man, just like Glenn was in Detroit.
Dan Campbell on DC Kelvin Sheppard. pic.twitter.com/5DWuztdkxO
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 25, 2025
5. I asked Sheppard who his biggest coaching influences are. He mentioned Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo, former head coach and Ravens' safeties coach Chuck Pagano, Colts DC Lou Anarumo — who playfully interrupted Sheppard's sitdown interview with local media at the Indianapolis Convention Center — and former Lions DC Aaron Glenn. Campbell revealed this week that he and Glenn had been preparing Sheppard to take over for two years without ever telling him. However, the hints were there. They added responsibilities beyond coaching linebackers to his plate. They had him more involved in the game planning. Eventually, he picked up what they were putting down.
Some coordinators want their position coaches to fall in line and focus on their own rooms. But if Lions fans remember Glenn for one thing, it should be how he brought others along as a coordinator. He was never threatened or worried about losing his job to a young guy like Sheppard. Instead, he paved the way for Sheppard. Sheppard said he wants to do the same.
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'I would say the last two years, to be specific, is just the game-planning aspect — and that really grew last year,' Sheppard said when asked where he's grown the most as a coach. 'AG allowing me to do the things he did weekly, things he allowed me to do for him. …I had a heavy hand in first-, second-down game-planning last year. Those are things that AG put on my plate going into the 2024 season, and he made no mystery why he was doing it. And again, that's something he didn't have to do. Just the trajectory and the outlook they had for me — and you know I had aspirations — but for other people to see that stuff for you and try to put you in position to get there, that's why I owe those guys everything.'
6. There is, of course, some risk with hiring an inexperienced coordinator on a Super Bowl contender. But Sheppard was a cerebral player, playing one of the most cerebral positions in the sport as a middle linebacker. He sees the game through that lens. He has a proven track record of developing linebackers and getting the most out of his position room. Now he has an opportunity to do the same with an entire defense — one that has far more talent than when Glenn first arrived. He has everything he needs to succeed as a first-year DC.
'Listen, Kelvin's been a guy that I've mentored for a while now,' Glenn said of Sheppard. 'He's tough. He's gritty. He understands ball from a number of different perspectives. And listen, I just totally have a lot of confidence in that man. And I think he's gonna do a hell of a job.'
7. It was a bit odd watching Holmes and Browns GM Andrew Berry conduct their news conferences right next to one another. But it was also fitting. ESPN's Kimberly A. Martin reported that the Lions had the most interest in pursuing Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett at the trade deadline. I don't doubt it. They needed help at edge after losing Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, Garrett is a generational talent and the two GMs were already in talks about Za'Darius Smith. Worth the ask.
However, Holmes was adamant that teams aren't just handing over their star pass rushers. That was reiterated by Berry's comments in Indy, continuing to tell inquiring minds that Garrett isn't available. We'll see how long that stance lasts. However, Holmes said the Lions probably won't be in the market to add a second star pass-rusher. They're trying to lock up one of their own right now.
8. The Lions are in the planning stages of a Hutchinson extension, as Holmes revealed last week. An extension would make sense sooner rather than later for Hutchinson. He's proved his worth to the organization and was the defensive player of the year frontrunner prior to his season-ending leg injury. The Cowboys are dragging their feet with a Micah Parsons extension, so if you can beat them to the market, you might save a penny (read: million) or two. We'll see how things unfold.
9. You can add Kerby Joseph to that list, if you haven't already. Holmes opened the floor for extension talks at his season-ending press conference. There's hope that a deal gets done this offseason. Even Joseph recently said he wants to be a lifelong Lion. Senior Director of Football Administration Charlie Adkins — hired from the Arizona Cardinals last offseason — is expected to play a big hand in Detroit's offseason extension discussions. If the two sides can't reach an agreement, Joseph will be set to enter free agency in 2026.
Brad Holmes on Kerby Joseph: 'I don't know how you don't make the Pro Bowl with nine interceptions, whatever that is.'
Adds: 'He's a Detroit Lion. He fits our culture. …We want to keep our good players here.'
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) January 23, 2025
10. Adkins took over for Brandon Sosna — a respected voice in the Lions' front office prior to his departure last offseason. In his time with the organization, the Lions have extended LT Taylor Decker, RB David Montgomery and DT Alim McNeil.
Sticking with Sosna for a moment, folks I talked to in Indianapolis had nothing but great things to say about him during his time with the organization. He was the chief negotiator for the Lions and helped them get deals with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell and Jared Goff across the finish line last ofseason. Sosna left in May to join the Washington Commanders as senior vice president of football operations. It feels like he's on the fast track for a GM gig here soon. The Holmes tree is growing.
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11. A year ago at the combine, I talked to folks within the organization who strongly felt Jack Campbell was due for a breakout year in 2024. His size, length, instincts and movement skills all made for an intriguing package, and when you pair those traits with his work ethic, it was only a matter of time before he figured things out. That ultimately proved true. Campbell had an excellent sophomore season, leading the Lions in tackles with 131 and always ending plays around the football. If you're into PFF grades, Campbell finished as PFF's 10th-best linebacker during the 2024 season.
If there's a player worth betting on in 2025, it's cornerback Terrion Arnold. Like Campbell, Arnold was a first-round pick who, in the minds of some, didn't live up to the pedigree as a rookie. However, both Campbell and Arnold were put in difficult positions.
12. Campbell was asked to play out of position as a SAM linebacker before the team finally let him settle in at MIKE. Not to mention the mental requirements of the linebacker position. Arnold, meanwhile, led all cornerbacks in man coverage snaps as a rookie and was routinely put on an island. This style of play isn't for everyone. Fellow rookie and Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell played just 26 percent of his snaps in man coverage, per PFF. Arnold played 46.2 percent of his snaps in man. A workload that heavy could've ruined the confidence of other young corners, but Arnold is here because he's never lacking in that department. He is the most self-assured rookie I've ever covered.
Here's what The Athletic's Dane Brugler — who had Arnold as the 10th-best prospect on his final 2024 big board –— told me when I asked for his opinion of Arnold's rookie season.
'There was always going to be a learning curve for him with the difference in the way they flag corners between college and the NFL,' Brugler said. 'That defense really asked a lot from him. But the way he is wired is what separates him. I'll be very surprised if he doesn't take a clear and obvious step forward in year two.'
13. During combine podium sessions with prospects, there were, like, a staggering number of prospects who mentioned Lions players among their favorites to watch or model their games after.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised because, you know, 15-2 Super Bowl contender and whatnot. But it's still a reminder of how far this team has come.
14. At this point in time, if I were to throw a few names into a first-round hat for the Lions, you'd find the following players inside: Harmon, Boston College edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama G Tyler Booker, Ohio State T/G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams, North Dakota State G/C Grey Zabel, Texas A&M edge Nic Scourton, South Carolina DB Nick Emmanwori and East Carolina CB Shavon Revel. Personally, I love their games. Think they fit what the Lions like, too.
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15. There's still room on the Jihaad Campbell bandwagon. He's one my favorite prospects in the entire class. He's versatile enough to rush the passer or drop into coverage. He's an awesome athlete with a 4.52 40 and a 9.95 relative athletic score. He was so fluid in his positional drills. Love everything about his game. He had a formal meeting with the Lions in Indianapolis. He's going to make a defense better from Day 1.
'I feel as though I'm Mr. Can-Do-It-All,' Campbell said at the combine. 'I'm a Swiss Army Knife.'
16. I was incredibly impressed by Ezeiruaku's football IQ. During his podium session, he spent time breaking down his pass-rush technique, and the detail he went into was unlike any of his peers who spoke. He has a deep bag of moves, and uses them based on what the tape tells him about the offensive lineman he's going up against. Here's him explaining the usage of his ghost move:
Couldn't have been more impressed with ED Donovan Ezeiruaku during his podium session. Great clip here of him breaking down the 'why' of a ghost pass rush move
Said his mentality is what separates him in a great edge rush class — I believe it pic.twitter.com/UExo4dIYDB
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 26, 2025
Smart, productive and athletic. Stock solidified.
17. Scourton, only 20 years old, might've been the most mature prospect I heard from. He wore a medallion with a photo of his late uncle Harold inside — a man he called a father figure since his own was incarcerated. 'I'm originally from a small town in East Texas, man,' Scourton said. 'Nobody makes it out. And he told me, 'One day, you're going to be great.' I never believed it, but he did. He was a special guy.'
Scourton said he plays for his community and doesn't take anything for granted. When he was done speaking, I walked over to my colleague Nick Baumgardner and we just sort of shared an unspoken look. I think the Lions are gonna love him.
18. Some will ding Booker because of his poor testing numbers at the combine. Don't be one of them. He's a Day 1 starting guard. And he's wired like this.
'The thing I love most about football is taking the love away from other people.'
Alabama's Tyler Booker with the most trench guy answer possible when asked why he loves the game: pic.twitter.com/OxDR911LcA
— alex katson 🇯🇵 (@alexkatson) March 1, 2025
The offensive line route makes a ton of sense for the Lions. They could stand to get younger at the position. Christian Mahogany's rise is a good start. Adding someone like Booker, Zabel or Jackson would make a ton of sense.
19. Arguably, Emmanwori was the biggest combine winner. He's the definition of a freak athlete, scoring a perfect 10.00 relative athletic score. He's versatile enough to play safety, nickel or even operate in the box at times. He's not a perfect fit for the Lions, with Branch and Joseph at safety, but my goodness. If he's there at 28, not sure how you pass him up. Same for Georgia S Malaki Starks, if teams are dumb enough to let him fall to 28.
The 2025 NFL Combine is in the books, and @dpbrugler joined me to break down everything you need to know.
The latest top-3 buzz, projecting the top QBs, and who shined during workouts all week.
Including an all-time showing by Nick Emmanwori.
Full show: https://t.co/GkwktVyqvf pic.twitter.com/W5HwgCIjiw
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) March 3, 2025
20. Harmon is one of several defensive tackles who could be available at 28. He's my favorite of some of the names you'll see. He's got a quick first step at 6-foot-5 and a half, 313 pounds. Extremely versatile. Productive in college and turned in the sixth-fastest 40 and the seventh-fastest 10-yard split. First-round talent.
Another DT I like a lot: Williams from Ohio State. Excellent run defender. Crushed his position drills. I don't think 334-pounders are supposed to move like this. Feel like I'm higher on him than most.
Tyleik Williams is showing out today pic.twitter.com/VLVCnlvo3D
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 27, 2025
21. A defensive tackle who will check every character box for the Lions is Maryland's Jordan Phillips. I asked Phillips what drives him and why he plays. Here's part of his answer: 'Football is the ultimate competitive team in sport. Going out there, playing hard for my teammates and us collectively getting that win — that's what makes me go hard every day.' No. 73 on Brugler's most recent big board. Wrestling background. Led all DTs with 29 bench reps. Lot to like.
Squats 750 lbs.
Benchs 495 lbs.
Power cleans 395 lbs. @TerpsFootball DT Jordan Phillips is STRONG strong 💪 @StaceyDales
📺: 2025 #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fe4DQrqdpY
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 27, 2025
22. It was disappointing to see Kenneth Grant unavailable for most of the defensive tackle testing. He said he planned to run a 4.9 40 at 332 pounds, maybe even a 4.8 40, but a hamstring injury limited him to bench reps. He said he wanted to hit 30-plus bench reps, then managed only 22 — the fewest among DTs. Then his day was done. Less than ideal, but he's got time to make up for it.
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23. Marshall edge Mike Green did not test and spent much of his podium session denying sexual assault allegations.
24. A couple of under-the-radar positions the Lions could be on the hunt for: a big-bodied receiver and a blocking tight end. They're doing their homework.
25. If you've made it this far, I appreciate you. There was a lot going on at the combine, but hopefully we covered enough ground here. Thanks for reading.
(Top photo of Dan Campbell: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)