Dan Campbell held a Lions press conference at Allen Park on Day 13 of training camp, emphasizing the shift from scripted drills to live, adaptive football periods as the team ramps up toward the regular season. He highlighted the competitive nature of the camp and the clear communication with players about their standing, while also praising the development of certain young contributors and addressing positional adjustments along the offensive line.
What did Dan Campbell say about the Lions’ progress in training camp?
Campbell confirmed the team is moving into more realistic, live-action segments in practice, where players must adjust on the fly. “We’re now we’re kinda getting more into here we go, man. We gotta gotta our guys gotta be ready to adapt, adjust by situation,” he said. This signals a critical phase where players’ true readiness and football IQ are tested beyond scripted reps, which will heavily influence final roster decisions.
He also stressed the staff’s transparency with players about where they stand, insisting that honesty is crucial even if it’s tough to hear. “I wanna make sure some of these guys know, look, you’re not in right now. You may think you’re in, you’re not in,” Campbell said. This approach should accelerate growth and competition, especially for young players vying for roster spots.
On individual progress, Campbell singled out a defensive lineman (likely Malik Cunningham or Cade Mays) who has grown in his ability to handle multiple techniques and double teams despite lacking elite size. “His ability to hang in there and fight and even on movement, make quick moves, penetrate the defense… I just like his growth and then his motor,” Campbell noted. This player’s relentless motor and adaptability could earn him a role in the rotation if he continues progressing.
Campbell also addressed the transition of Melvin Priestly from tackle to guard, praising his physical tools but acknowledging the mental challenges of learning multiple interior line positions. “The hardest thing for especially a young guy who plays tackle, okay, guard… it’s a lot mentally,” Campbell said. Priestly’s versatility and work ethic are promising, but he needs to lock in mentally to maximize his upside and help the Lions’ offensive line depth.
Regarding challenge flags, Campbell made it clear he will retain control of that responsibility himself. “No. I’m not giving that flag up to anybody. No way… The buck stops me anyway,” he said, underscoring his hands-on leadership style and accountability.
He also gave an update on Levi Onwuzurike, who is trending positively health-wise after multiple ACL injuries. Campbell praised his power and noted some recent issues with playing too high, but overall sees him as a strong, improving presence on the defensive line.
Campbell touched briefly on former Lion Terrion Arnold, who was recently released, expressing no surprise that Arnold found an opportunity elsewhere and wishing him well. He kept the tone professional and focused on the present roster.
Finally, Campbell explained the intentional practice of end-of-game scenarios, including the rare decision to let an opponent score a chip-shot field goal to preserve time. He acknowledged the difficulty of coaching that mindset but emphasized its strategic necessity and the importance of communicating it clearly to younger players.
What remains open is the final evaluation of several young players who have yet to fully demonstrate their capabilities due to injuries or limited reps. Campbell repeatedly noted there are still two weeks left and that the coaching staff is still learning about some of these players. The depth chart battles, especially along the offensive line and defensive front, remain fluid as the Lions push toward final cuts.
