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If an NFL owner is looking for a blueprint to spark a dramatic turnaround, he or she should closely study the work of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. The Detroit Lions have risen to prominence under the direction of a general manager and head coach working in lockstep to assemble a young roster featuring a collection of blue-chip talents with blue-collar mentalities.
While the football world snickered at Campbell’s vision at his introductory press conference in 2021, when he went on about his team kicking in teeth and taking out kneecaps, the Lions have built a team that reflects the grittiness and toughness touted by its leader.
From the quarterback who entered the league as a No. 1 overall pick but was dismissed by his former squad despite leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance, to the All-Pro pass-catcher who did not come off the board until the 112th pick of the 2021 draft, to a playmaking safety dismissed from a Super Bowl contender, the Lions have taken a collection of castoffs and misfits and transformed it into a title contender in three seasons.
Though team-builders routinely tout “draft and develop” strategies at the podium, few have been able to follow through on a plan that requires the front office and coaching staff to work together to identify and train young players for prominent roles correctly.
In Detroit, the Lions have aggressively targeted players who fit their system while ignoring the critiques of draft analysts and casual observers who disagreed. As Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Sam LaPorta shine in their roles, the Lions’ belief in their system and pre-draft process have paid dividends, with the trio and others shining as young standouts on an emerging NFC heavyweight.
Looking at Detroit’s recent draft classes, there are few misses in the bunch. The team has acquired blue-chip players at each of the marquee positions, with Aidan Hutchinson (pass rusher), Penei Sewell (pass protector), Jameson Williams (playmaker) and Brian Branch…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/how-dan-campbells-lions-went-from-laughingstock-to-contender-in-three-years
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Publish date : 2024-01-22 17:28:58
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