Roundtable: Why Campbell, Holmes Have Opposing Views on CB Need

Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes sent different messages about cornerback need,

Mar 26, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell speaks to the media during the NFL's annual league meeting. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

1. What do you expect from Lions' wide receiver Antoine Green in 2024?

Christian Booher: Green is in an interesting spot heading into the 2024 season, as he showed very little in his first professional season. However, with Josh Reynolds departing to the Denver Broncos, he could be due for a bigger role in his second campaign.

There are several traits to like about Green, such as his physicality and his route-running, but they've yet to be fully on display. I think he will remain lower on the depth chart, but the organization could give him more chances as an active player on game days in 2024.

Vito Chirco: It's hard to say, because he played so sparingly as a rookie. In 2023, the North Carolina product played in nine games, and caught just one ball (on two targets) for two yards. 

At this juncture, I don't expect the 2023 seventh-round pick to blow up and produce huge numbers in 2024. I still expect Green to be toward the bottom of the Lions’ receivers depth chart this upcoming season. Plus, I believe he'll have a minimal impact on the team's 2024 campaign.

2. Is there any chance the Lions match Brock Wright's offer sheet?

Booher: My instincts tell me that the Lions likely won't match Wright's offer sheet, allowing him to sign with the 49ers. However, there is definitely a chance that they elect to retain the tight end.

The $4 million AAV would put a small dent in Detroit's future cap space with several key players still due for extensions. Additionally, he's been key to the team's run game success. However, I think the Lions could be better suited to seek out another depth tight end in the Draft as opposed to retaining Wright.

Chirco: At this present moment, I'm going to say no. I think the Lions really valued what Wright brought to the team as a reserve tight end, both on and off the field. However, I think the organization will also use Wright's looming departure as an opportunity to give James Mitchell more of a look and chance to prove his worth. 

I was among the many pundits that thought Mitchell would be given a bigger role in 2023. However, the opposite happened, as he went from 11 catches, 113 yards and a touchdown as a rookie in 2022, to just two catches, 28 yards and zero scores last season. Meanwhile, Sam LaPorta blew up, and Wright maintained his status as the team's No. 2 tight end. 

With Wright appearing to be on the way out, there's no better time than now to see what Mitchell can do with an increased role in Ben Johnson's offense. And, I think he'll grow into a decent backup tight end in Detroit's passing attack.

3. How should the Lions handle the TE position if Wright departs?

Booher: As mentioned earlier, I believe the Draft offers the best type of solution. This situation would allow for more snaps for James Mitchell, who has yet to make a firm impression in his two NFL seasons.

However, I wrote Saturday about a potential blockbuster move that could land Brock Bowers in the Draft. I acknowledge that the Lions could address other areas in the first round, but the thought of adding Bowers to an already loaded offense is extremely enticing.

Chirco: I already started getting into that above, speculating about Mitchell moving up the tight ends depth chart and getting more targets in the Lions’ offense. 

And, there's also a case to be made for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes acquiring a tight end in this April's NFL Draft. 

Penn State's uber athletic tight end Theo Johnson, who dominated the NFL combine, would be a great target. Recently, he's been mocked anywhere from the third-fifth round. Now, I'm not suggesting that Holmes & Co. should use their third-round selection (No. 73 overall) on him. However, if Johnson is still around come the fifth round, I think Detroit would be wise to nab the former Nittany Lion.

4. What did you learn from the Owner's Meetings?

Booher: That Dan Campbell might have a few tricks up his sleeve. Both literally and figuratively, Campbell may have some moves coming that could be exciting.

For instance, he spoke highly of the league's new kickoff rules. I can't wait to see how he and Dave Fipp scheme up the new type of play in the NFL for the 2024 season. Additionally, he said in multiple interviews that the team is not done pursuing free agent talent.

Chirco: Quite a few things stood out to me from Dan Campbell's and Brad Holmes’ press conferences. Most notably, Campbell hinted at the fact that Brian Branch, who played nickel corner in 2023, could be in store for some reps at safety in 2024. I think it makes a ton of sense, with veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson having departed earlier this offseason. Remember, Branch lined up at both corner and safety while at Alabama, and did so in a proficient manner. I'm confident he could do the same with the Lions.

Additionally, I thought it was interesting to hear Campbell talk about how he's happy to have former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields out of the NFC North (I second that sentiment). Yet, as Campbell expressed, the Bears have a chance to be very solid this upcoming season, as do Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers.

I also found it intriguing to hear Holmes come out and say that the Lions just completed their best free-agency period in his tenure as general manager. Although he is probably right, especially based on the team's recent acquisitions of D.J. Reader and Kevin Zeitler, it still came off as a PR-esque statement.

5. What do you want Lions' new uniforms to look like?

Booher: I was a big fan of the Lions' uniforms over the last several years, with the exception of the grey color rush uniforms. Although they grew on me with the addition of the blue helmets, I'd much rather just stick with the all-blue look and add that helmet in big games.

There's been buzz about a potential black alternate of some sort, and I wouldn't be against that. I'll be interested to see if any changes are made to the font of the numbers and letters on the jerseys.

Regardless of how the new jerseys turn out, it will be exciting when the Lions step on the field for the first time in new home uniforms at Ford Field.

Chirco: I've never been big into a pro team's uniform design. For instance, I love the Detroit Tigers’ “Old English D” home uni, which has basically stayed the same since the first days of the organization. I appreciate the simplicity and tradition with those unis. Sticking with that theme, I'd like to see the Lions stay true to their “Honolulu Blue” color scheme with their new jerseys. I think fans and pundits both dig that look, so I hope the Lions don't sway from it (nor do I think they will). I really don't think the Lions and Nike will mess up these unis, as Fanatics has done with MLB's jerseys.

The only suggestion I'll make is for the Lions to add the team's popular slogan, “One Pride,” to the inside of the jersey collar. I think that would be a nice and fitting, subtle addition to the franchise's unis. 

6. Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes had different messages about the cornerback position. What is your reaction to differing public messages?

Booher: Both Campbell and Holmes have been very transparent with the media since taking over in Detroit. As a result, it's a bit jarring to see them on opposite sides of the table in terms of where the teams stand at cornerback at first glance.

Detroit's already added two talented veterans at the position, but I think more moves could be on the horizon. Holmes has drafted a corner, be it boundary or outside, in each of his first three drafts with the organization. I expect him to do the same in April this year.

Chirco: Yes, the two did have contrasting viewpoints on the matter. Campbell said the Lions could use more “competition” at the cornerback position, while Holmes told reporters “it's not a need.” I'm team Campbell here, and the truth of the matter is that the Lions do need another cornerback, after Cam Sutton's release, and likely will address the need via this April's draft. I believe that Holmes is well aware of that as well, and was just trying to create a smokescreen in front of reporters. 

Now, I'm not going to guarantee to you that Holmes & Co. are prioritizing taking a cornerback at No. 29 overall. With how the offseason has played out for Detroit up to this point, I truly believe that the front office is going to select the highest player ranked on its draft board when the 29th pick rolls around. Yet, once again, I don’t believe Holmes & Co. are going to leave the draft without an additional cornerback in their possession.