**Dan Campbell Makes Clear What Disqualifies Players from Lions’ Draft Board**
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has never been one to mince words. Known for his fiery press conferences and no-nonsense approach, Campbell has built a culture in Detroit that prioritizes toughness, accountability, and an unwavering work ethic. As the Lions continue their rise from perennial underdogs to legitimate contenders, Campbell has made it abundantly clear what kind of players he wants in his locker room—and just as importantly, which traits will immediately disqualify a prospect from ending up on the Lions’ draft board.
In recent interviews and behind-the-scenes discussions, Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have emphasized that talent alone is not enough to earn a spot in Detroit’s draft plans. The Lions’ leadership has a strict set of criteria that prospects must meet, and failure to align with these principles means they won’t even be considered, regardless of their athletic gifts. So, what exactly will get a player crossed off Detroit’s list?
One of the first things Campbell looks for in a player is an unrelenting competitive drive. The Lions’ head coach has repeatedly stated that he wants “dogs”—players who hate losing more than they love winning. Detroit’s turnaround from a struggling franchise to a playoff team was built on an underdog mentality, and Campbell refuses to bring in anyone who doesn’t share that same hunger.
“If a guy doesn’t have that fight in him, if he’s just going through the motions or doesn’t show up in big moments, we don’t want him,” Campbell said bluntly in a recent pre-draft press conference. “We’ve worked too hard to build something here, and we’re not going to let anyone come in and coast.”
This philosophy explains why the Lions have targeted players like Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, and Jahmyr Gibbs—all of whom play with an edge and a relentless motor. Detroit’s front office has shown they’re willing to pass on more physically gifted prospects if they sense a lack of intensity.
Another non-negotiable for Campbell and Holmes is high-character individuals. The Lions have zero tolerance for players with significant off-field red flags, including legal troubles, a history of disciplinary issues, or questionable decision-making. While some teams may take calculated risks on talented players with baggage, Detroit has firmly removed itself from that approach.
“We’re building a culture where trust matters,” Holmes emphasized. “If we can’t trust a guy to represent this organization the right way, then he’s not for us.”
This stance has led the Lions to avoid several high-profile prospects in recent years who had off-field question marks. Campbell has made it clear that locker room chemistry is critical, and bringing in the wrong personality can derail progress. The team’s leadership believes that talent can be developed, but a player’s character is far harder to change.
In Campbell’s eyes, a player who isn’t willing to put in the work has no place in Detroit. The Lions prioritize prospects who are not only hard workers but also coachable—players who are eager to learn, adapt, and embrace the team’s philosophy.
“You can have all the physical tools in the world, but if you’re not willing to be coached or you think you’ve got it all figured out, you’re going to stunt your own growth—and ours as a team,” Campbell said.
This emphasis on work ethic has shaped Detroit’s draft strategy. The Lions favor prospects who have shown consistent improvement throughout their college careers, demonstrating a willingness to refine their craft. Players who rely solely on natural ability without putting in extra effort are quickly dismissed.
While injuries aren’t always within a player’s control, the Lions are cautious about investing high draft capital in prospects with significant injury histories. Campbell and Holmes have shown they’re willing to take mid-to-late-round fliers on players recovering from injuries, but early-round picks must have durability.
“We need guys who can stay on the field,” Campbell stated. “It doesn’t matter how good you are if you’re always in the training room.”
This approach has led Detroit to avoid some high-risk, high-reward prospects in favor of more reliable options. The Lions’ medical staff plays a crucial role in the evaluation process, and any long-term concerns can quickly remove a player from consideration.
Perhaps the biggest disqualifier for Campbell is a player who prioritizes individual success over team success. The Lions’ head coach has built a culture centered on unity and selflessness, and anyone who doesn’t buy into that mentality won’t last long in Detroit.
“This isn’t about personal stats or highlights; it’s about winning as a team,” Campbell said. “If a guy is more worried about his brand than doing his job, he won’t fit here.”
This principle has guided many of Detroit’s roster decisions. The Lions have moved on from talented players who didn’t embrace their roles, and they’ve rewarded those who put the team first. Campbell’s locker room is built on accountability, and anyone who disrupts that harmony isn’t welcome.
Dan Campbell’s criteria for draft prospects reinforce what has become the foundation of the Lions’ resurgence: culture matters more than anything. Detroit isn’t interested in collecting the most talented players—they want the right players.
As the Lions continue their ascent in the NFC, their draft strategy reflects a clear vision. They’re not just building a team; they’re building an identity. And for any prospect hoping to hear their name called by Detroit, they’d better embody the toughness, character, and selflessness that Dan Campbell demands.
Because if they don’t, they won’t even be on the board.
