Notebook: Why Detroit Lions' Rebuild Is 'Ahead of Schedule'

Lions have stocked the roster with plenty of young, talented players.

The Detroit Lions needed two years before the expectations reached a fever pitch. 

Speaking during a recent radio appearance, Lions general manager Brad Holmes indicated that the progression of the young talent on the roster allows for the conclusion of the rebuild to be a little ahead of schedule. 

“I believe we’re right on track. You can make an argument that we’re a little ahead of schedule," Holmes told 97.1 The Ticket. "We were able to hit on a lot of guys that were able to provide immediate production and playing time with some young guys, some rookies." 

"Now, look, you know the Penei Sewell's and the Aidan Hutchinson's are gonna come in, and you kind of expect those guys to produce immediately. But, when you start getting the production from the Malcolm Rodriguez's and the James Houston's and those guys," Holmes continued. "And then the guys who are making these jumps, these second-and third-year jumps. Even a guy like James Mitchell, he kind of got his feet wet last year coming off his injury, and we anticipate him playing a big role this year. So far, so good with the rookies that are out here now. They’ve been adjusting pretty nicely, and some guys are coming along quicker than we thought.”

Changes to practice schedule

The Lions have implemented a couple more lighter days of practice, ahead of their joint practices with the New York Giants. 

Dan Campbell and the training staff have worked diligently to ensure the players are remaining healthy and recovering in time from tougher practices. 

Ahead of joint practices, Campbell explained why the practice schedule has slightly been modified at training camp. 

“It’s all about pulling the most you can out of these guys and getting real good, high intensity, or volume work and then, man, back them down and then let’s ramp it back up again. I’ve always had that philosophy," Campbell explained. 

With the Giants coming in for joint practices this week, Detroit's coaching staff wants the roster as prepared and as fresh as possible. 

Campbell added, "That’s part of it, but then knowing what’s coming in here. Like the other day, we put over 40 reps on our starters. That’s good. This time of year, to be able to do that, we’ve got a base on them. That’s how you build a foundation, because the intensity is -- we’re getting the intensity, and then we needed the volume. That was their first heavy dose of volume, so to think we’re going to be able to pull really good work yesterday out of them is, that’s a fool’s gold there. So, that’s why it was back them down, but also know we’re about to have two physical practices against the Giants in pads. I also want them to be, to get their legs back under them, get their bodies back and be ready to go for those two, because those are important.”

Impact of Jalen Reeves-Maybin returning

Veteran Jalen Reeves-Maybin is a consistent special teams contributor and a saavy player that is capable of contributing, when given the opportunity at linebacker. 

His return has impressed the coaching staff, as the team did lose productive special teams contributors this offseason. 

"I think everybody in this building feels great about having 'JRM' back here," said special teams coordinator Dave Fipp. "I mean, he’s a great player, he’s a great person, you know what he is on special teams. I think the defensive guys know what he is on defense, you don’t have to worry about that spot. And, we lost some good players a year ago in (Chris) Board and (Josh) Woods and some of those guys. So, getting a guy in, like that, really helps take some of the pressure off these other guys.”

Marvin Jones on practicing against the Giants

Players often state there is a noticeable difference when practicing against another NFL team. 

Coaches and players both often notice the increase in intensity and competitiveness during one-on-one reps and team drills. 

Veteran Marvin Jones shared with All Lions, after practice, his excitement level, as the Giants are visiting the team's Allen Park practice facility this week. 

"Obviously, it’s always good to go up against somebody else, somebody with a different jersey. So, I think we’re ready. We’ve been practicing hard. Everything is up, the intensity is up (and) everyone’s excited," Jones said.