Roundtable: How Long Will Lions' Rebuild Take?

Latest SI All Lions Roundtable focuses on how long the Detroit Lions' rebuild will take.

1.) When do you expect the Lions to be back in the playoffs under their current regime?

Vito Chirco: I think in 2023. The Lions need another offseason to "complete" the rebuild and effectively build up both sides of the ball. And, if the Lions aren't in postseason contention by '23, it could spell trouble for the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell regime. 

Adam Strozynski: Not this upcoming season, but in 2023. This allows Brad Holmes to fill more holes and make a move for that future quarterback in the 2023 draft. At that point, the team should be on par with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers.

2.) How many wins must Dan Campbell and the team secure in 2022 to keep you encouraged about the rebuild?

Chirco: I think at the very least, the Lions are going to have to double their win total. And, some fans and pundits likely would argue that the team needs to win seven games in 2022, in order for optimism to remain regarding the rebuild. 

For me, though, if the organization goes out this offseason and adds a few pieces to the puzzle (i.e. an EDGE, a linebacker and a wide receiver or two) and then shows signs of improvement as the 2022 campaign progresses, I'd be fine with the team winning just six games a season from now. 

Strozynski: At a minimum, five wins are needed. I was encouraged about a lot of things from last season. The thing that will win me over more than the wins is if Dan Campbell takes a step forward in his in-game situational management.

3.) What player being coached by the Lions' coaching staff in the Senior Bowl are you most intrigued by?

Chirco: For me, it's UNC quarterback Sam Howell. He was once touted as a top-five pick. But, after a down season with the Tar Heels, he likely will still be able to be drafted later in the first round. From the Lions' perspective, drafting the big-arm QB would likely require Brad Holmes & Co. trading up from their second of two first-round selections. 

Nonetheless, though, Howell is an exciting prospect to watch that could put on a big week in Mobile, Ala. 

Strozynski: You have three quarterbacks the Lions staff will be up close and personal with: Malik Willis, Bailey Zappe and Sam Howell. What will be interesting to see is if Detroit's coaches see anything they like and take a chance on any one of those guys. At this point, I would stay away a from a QB, especially high in the draft. But, maybe they see something they like. 

Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports

4.) Which Lions player would you want to sit and watch the AFC and NFC Championship Game with and why?

Chirco: I'll say Jamaal Williams. First off, I'd love to just sit down and have a beer with the guy. He's got a tremendous personality, and I could only imagine all the jokes he'd be cracking while watching the two games.

I'd also love to hear what he'd have to say about all the dynamic offensive attacks that will be on display in both conference championship games.  

So, sign me up for sitting down and watching the action with Williams. 

Strozynski: Frank Ragnow. Offensive linemen are just wired differently, and the centers are usually the smartest guys in the room. Also, maybe he has some dirt on Matt Stafford. 

5.) What made Tom Brady the GOAT and how can young QBs learn from his legacy?

Chirco: Seven Super Bowl wins (more than any single NFL franchise). Ten Super Bowl appearances. Leading the league in passing yards (5,316) and touchdown passes (43) at the age of 44. 

I mean I can go on and on with the accolades that separate Brady from everyone else who has played the game.

Subsequently, he was the best to ever do it at the quarterback position and truly the GOAT of the sport of football.

As far as what young quarterbacks can take from Brady, I think it's his drive to win at all costs and just the tenacity he approached every single game with, no matter the opponent or what was at stake.

He was the ultimate competitor and was never satisfied with his play or what his team achieved, even as winning Super Bowls started becoming a common occurrence for the legendary passer. 

He had a relentless pursuit of excellence, and he showcased it not only on gameday but also in New England's and Tampa Bay's practice facilities.

Brady put in a ton of hours watching film on a weekly basis, and was known for his strong attention to detail. Even after two decades of playing in the league, he remained steadfast in his ways, staying committed to using the film to try to pick up competitive advantages on his opponents. 

This is who Brady was, and ultimately, it made him the GOAT of his profession. 

Strozynski: I think it's his drive and mentality. From day one, Brady felt slighted. Whether it was his time at Michigan or getting picked in the sixth round, everyone told him he wasn't good enough, and it was his mission to prove them wrong.

I dont know if you can learn that.

He is very similar to Michael Jordan in that respect.