Highlights of Detroit Lions 'Inside the Den' Ep. 3
The long-awaited feature series that highlights how the Detroit Lions' front office and coaching staff work with and evaluate players debuted on Thursday evening.
While many were hoping the third episode would have been released sooner, the inside look at the Lions' 2023 NFL Draft process was intriguing and exciting.
Part of the intrigue is hearing what regional scouts thought of the players, based on their college film.
Here are the highlights of the third episode of "Inside the Den."
Gibbs at No. 12 was 'easy'
The show opens with the heavy criticism that Detroit general manger Brad Holmes faced due to selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick.
After the pick was made, debates broke out regarding why the Lions would choose to select a running back with the aforementioned selection.
Holmes took a risk in deciding to trade down, but head coach Dan Campbell told him to "trust your gut."
The excitement was truly felt in the room, as the Lions got the player they valued and felt would improve the offense.
Meanwhile, new Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery reviewed the fundamentals of blocking and securing the football with Gibbs.
A notable comment made by Detroit's newest position coach highlighted the importance of running back grip, which few backs had mastered.
Montgomery noted, "You don't want a $200,000 chain with a $25 clasp."
Gibbs impressed Detroit's coaching staff with his mastery of fundamentals carrying the football and his ability to single-handedly take over a game.
I love your last name
The selection of linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18 seemed like a natural fit, especially throughout the pre-draft process.
His love of football and excitement to join the Lions were seen when he arrived to the team's Allen Park practice facility for the first time.
While sharing a last name with the popular head coach, the young linebacker let it be clearly known he would work to become the best player he could to aid the organization.
Dan Campbell is an "O.G."
On Day 2, Gibbs and Campbell had the opportunity to meet with Calvin Johnson, Chris Spielman and Barry Sanders.
Johnson is seen complimenting the coaching staff, which is full of former NFL players, and noted that Dan Campbell is an "O.G."
Three starters
Drafting tight end Sam LaPorta, who told the Lions' brass he was a "damn good football player" who could fit in any locker room, provided Detroit's third-year head coach a very strong sense that the team had just added three starters with their first three draft selections of 2023.
Holmes leaned over and indicated that he was adding players he loved, while brimming with confidence at how the draft had started for the organization.
Campbell coveted DT Brodric Martin
The stout defensive tackle caught the attention of scouts and the coaching staff for his sheer size and work ethic.
Campbell was very enthusiastic about the potential a player with Martin's upside.
Holmes even started making calls to other general managers in the NFL to acquire a third-round pick, starting at pick No. 77. Eventually, Holmes and the Cardinals made another deal, resulting in the Lions landing Martin at pick No. 96.
