Lions Camp Notebook: Dan Campbell Reviews Week 1, 'Giddy' to Play Chiefs

News and notes from Week 1 of Lions training camp.

With a short practice Sunday, the Detroit Lions officially finished their first week of training camp. 

The team is progressing as expected, with third-year coach Dan Campbell leading the roster through the high expectations surrounding the upcoming campaign. 

Here are some news and notes from the team's Allen Park facility, as Week 1 of training camp comes to a close. 

Evaluation of team after first week

On Sunday, Campbell shared his overall thoughts on the team's first week. He gave insight on what he's seen, including the aspects of camp that he's loved throughout the early practices.

"I love the fact that our guys are, which I'm not surprised. You know, we had two real competitive, padded-up practices, and our guys didn't bat an eye. You know, they are practicing hard. They're in it. There's no moping. There's no, I don't want to, they're just going, and that's coming out of the acclamation," the coach said. "So, I feel like we're building a base, we're getting our intensity, our volume up. I feel like we're getting in shape. We're competing.

"And, what we need to work on now is okay, we've got that now, all the little details. You know, those fundamentals we did the first four days without pads on, now they need to begin to show up consistently with pads on. And, when you got somebody across from you, there's no more of this, were playing hand games. Just those things that never come. That's an old progression of camp.”

Glasgow's versatility

The Lions brought back a familiar face in Graham Glasgow this offseason. The Michigan product is known for his versatility, and is popular among his former teammates in the locker room. 

With his ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, he's been a very valuable piece for the Lions early in camp. He's logged snaps with the first team at both right guard and center, filling in on occasion to give Frank Ragnow a break. 

"Yeah, our vision for him to this point is exactly what we thought we were acquiring and what he could do for us, man," Campbell said. "He's a veteran guy, he's smart, he handles his business and he's gonna be reliable. He's gone in there and done a nice job at guard. Then, man, we bump him right into center, he's gonna do a little bit of that when we bump Frank out for a play or two. He's gonna bump into center.

"I think just knowing this guy, he's banked a lot of reps, he's been steady and reliable at multiple jobs and he's not gonna bat an eye. And, he's kind of a guy you don't have to worry about. You don't have to worry about it being too big for him or is he gonna mess something up mentally. He's just gonna go in there and handle his business, and that was one of the reasons we acquired him. And, I think he's shown that up to this point." 

McNeill embracing his role

Alim McNeill has been a popular subject throughout the early parts of offseason workouts. The defensive tackle has slimmed down, in anticipation of playing a bigger role in 2023. 

As a result of his new individual workout and diet, the Lions expect him to be a more agile version of the run-stopping force that he was at times last season. 

"First of all, the thing that Alim’s not talking about is one of the first reasons he did that was for this underwear photo shoot that he had. He probably won’t admit to that, but it started there and it’s blended into his play," Campbell explained. "No, he has not lost his strength, and he’s got more twitch. You can see it, he’s getting an edge on rush, and he’s just as powerful. He can anchor in there. I think, for Alim, it’s always gonna be, it’s good to see and you can see the movement skills. But, don’t ever forget who you are and what it starts with. He’s got to be able to anchor in there and hit the blocks. That’s gotta be first and foremost. But, man, it’s good.”

Spoke with Amon-Ra St. Brown after practice after his 1-on-1 rep win against Tracy Walker Saturday. Indicated he didn't take best angle, but Jared Goff put the ball in perfect spot and he works on tracking the ball diligently. Is having a lot of fun at training camp this year

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) July 30, 2023

Continued growth for James Mitchell

The Lions are excited about the potential that James Mitchell brings to the tight end position. 

Rookie Sam LaPorta has stolen much of the spotlight, with his superb start to camp. However, Mitchell has been praised for being a steady hand at the position. 

Now fully healthy, he could be in for a strong second season. 

"We've been pleased with 'Mitch.' Mitch is one of those guys where, man, the first four days of practice, acclimation without pads, man, fundamentals, you see improvements," Campbell explained. "Now that the pads are on, it's translating. You're seeing it show up. He's not abandoning all the things he's learned, all the little technique things. So, we just see steady growth out of him, we see steady growth. He's doing a good job right now. This is probably the kiss of death now that I've said that. Just for a day. But, no, he is. He goes about his business. He's quiet, but he's attentive. It just continues to grow." 

Scott impresses early in his tenure

John Scott Jr. replaced Todd Walsh as the team's defensive line coach this offseason. With the former coach headed to join Frank Reich's staff in Carolina, the Lions tabbed Scott as the next leader of the defensive line. 

So far, the coach has received rave reviews. Most recently, Campbell praised his work on Sunday. The head coach said that Scott has mutual connections, and he was intrigued by what he'd heard about the former Penn State defensive line coach. 

"(Scott)'s always kind of been on the radar," Campbell stated. "And so, that piqued my interest, and then when the opportunity came up, it's time to hire someone for that room, never really lost track of him. You see what he's done out there at Penn State. Those guys are fundamentally, at Penn State, those EDGE guys and up front are on it. They do it right, and so it just felt like it was gonna be a fit for us." 

Campbell a little uncomfortable with stardom

On Day 6, prior to the team's second padded practice, Detroit's third-year head coach indicated he was a little uncomfortable being referred to as a star or somebody more important than he feels he is. 

"Listen, it’s awesome. And, I’ll be honest with you, it makes me a little uncomfortable only, because, man, I really appreciate it. But, there’s some things that are said -- look, man, I’m no different than you. I’m really not," said Campbell. "I’m just coaching this team, but we do a lot of things very similar, especially me. I’m not real polished. I would say the fans are more polished than me.

"And so, my point is I appreciate that, but you’re not meeting some superstar," Campbell explained further. "I’m not a movie star. I’m not a whatever, and at times, that came out and I’m not that, so. But, it was very good. It was good seeing our fans and the excitement they have for our team. So, it was good. It was humbling, it really was. It’s awesome.”

Campbell 'giddy' to play Chief to start 2023 NFL season

NFL reporter Peter King paid a visit to Lions' training camp earlier this week.

He spoke with Campbell about the organization's feelings toward playing in the season's opening game against Kansas City. 

The head coach, as expected, appeared fired up about the opportunity. 

"Well, I was excited. Who wouldn't be?," Campbell said. "I know for myself and for our guys, what better way to start the season then to go against the champ? They're the heavyweight champ, they're holding the belt. It'll be an unbelievable test for us. It excites me, it excites us, I was pretty giddy."