Five Important Lessons Learned from NFL Combine Performances of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions

The NFL Combine is one of the most critical events on the football calendar, often viewed as a showcase for the next generation of football talent. This event serves as an audition for college athletes trying to prove their worth to NFL teams, while also offering an opportunity for NFL team executives, coaches, and scouts to gain insight into the physical and mental attributes of prospective players. However, for executives like Brad Holmes, the General Manager of the Detroit Lions, and Dan Campbell, the Lions’ Head Coach, the Combine is more than just an evaluation of raw talent; it’s an opportunity to solidify their philosophy, build team chemistry, and establish a winning culture. Through their leadership and strategic approaches, Holmes and Campbell have demonstrated valuable lessons in the world of professional football, especially in how they have managed the Lions’ roster, drafted talent, and developed a team-oriented culture.

While the Combine is inherently about identifying and evaluating talent, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s approach goes far beyond the immediate results on the field. Their respective leadership styles have transformed the Detroit Lions into an organization that thrives on building a team-first mentality, ensuring that every decision is aligned with a broader long-term vision. Through their actions and decisions before, during, and after the Combine, Holmes and Campbell have imparted several important lessons that can be applied to both football and other fields.

1. The Importance of Building a Culture of Accountability and Trust

One of the most evident lessons from Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s approach to team-building is the creation of a culture rooted in accountability and trust. Campbell, who took over as the head coach of the Lions in 2021, quickly established a no-nonsense, “we are in this together” attitude. He was clear that his goal was not just to win games but to build a winning culture within the organization.

Dan Campbell’s mantra, “Eat kneecaps,” is an example of his gritty, tough, and unapologetic approach to leadership. The phrase, which became famous during his introductory press conference, symbolizes a work ethic and an attitude of perseverance no matter the odds. More than just a motivational phrase, it embodies the mindset Campbell wanted to instill within his players. He emphasized that success wasn’t just about talent; it was about hard work, grit, and a commitment to improving day after day. Through Campbell’s leadership, the Lions have cultivated an environment where every player, from rookies to veterans, is held accountable for their role in the team’s success.

For Brad Holmes, accountability is equally important in his role as GM. Holmes’ draft strategy has prioritized players who not only have exceptional talent but who also possess the mental toughness and character to thrive under Campbell’s leadership. Holmes was meticulous in his evaluations, carefully considering each player’s personality and work ethic, knowing that a cohesive, driven locker room was essential for long-term success.

In short, accountability and trust are foundational to their approach. They have built an organization where every player is expected to take ownership of their performance, and where every decision, both on and off the field, contributes to the team’s overall success.

2. Valuing Leadership Potential Over Pure Physical Traits

Another important lesson from Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s approach is their focus on leadership potential rather than just physical traits during the NFL Combine. While scouting athletes at the Combine, most evaluators focus on the physical measurements, the 40-yard dash times, and the bench press reps—those metrics that offer a tangible assessment of athletic ability. Holmes and Campbell, however, understand that the Combine isn’t just about athleticism—it’s about identifying leaders who will make a difference on and off the field.

Campbell, in particular, has been vocal about the value of leadership in his players. As a former player himself, he knows firsthand that the best teams are often those that possess strong leaders in the locker room, on the field, and even in practice. As a result, the Lions have targeted players who exhibit leadership qualities, even if they don’t have the fastest 40-yard dash time or the highest vertical leap. They’ve placed an emphasis on selecting individuals who possess emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to rally teammates.

Holmes, too, aligns with this philosophy in his drafting decisions. The Lions GM has been diligent in selecting players who are not only strong physically but who also have a demonstrated track record of leadership, whether that’s in college programs or through interviews. Holmes values the ability of players to step into roles where they can inspire and guide others—qualities that contribute to a sustainable winning culture.

A prime example of this was the Lions’ selection of Aidan Hutchinson in the 2022 NFL Draft, a player known for both his on-field dominance and his natural leadership abilities. Holmes and Campbell understood that Hutchinson would be more than just a standout pass rusher; they saw in him the potential to anchor the defensive line and lead the defense with his energy and attitude.

By focusing on leadership and character, the Lions have ensured that their roster is filled with individuals who contribute to the culture of accountability and respect that Holmes and Campbell are building in Detroit.

3. Investing in Development and Longevity

One of the central tenets of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s strategy is a long-term focus on player development. Instead of looking for quick fixes or star-studded lineups, the duo understands that sustainable success in the NFL comes from the development of young talent and fostering a pipeline of future stars.

At the NFL Combine, both Holmes and Campbell use their time to not only evaluate players’ current skills but to consider how these players will develop over the coming years. The Combine serves as a vital checkpoint to gauge athletic potential, but Holmes’ ability to project players’ growth is crucial to his draft decisions. Unlike other teams that might prioritize an immediate impact player, the Lions have focused on selecting athletes who have room to grow and who possess the right tools to be molded into key contributors.

This long-term view was evident in Holmes’ first draft as general manager in 2021, where he sought players who might not have been ready to make an immediate splash but who had the potential to grow into leaders. For instance, selecting Penei Sewell, the talented offensive tackle, was a move focused on the future. Sewell, while talented from day one, has the opportunity to grow under Campbell’s system and will likely be a cornerstone of the team for years to come.

Dan Campbell, likewise, has created a culture of development, where players are not simply focused on what they can do today but on what they can become. He has implemented systems that help players progress, with a clear focus on developing mental toughness, leadership skills, and specific skill sets over the long haul.

Investing in player development isn’t just about improving physical skills; it’s about instilling a mindset of progress. By fostering a long-term approach, both Holmes and Campbell have laid the foundation for future success, making sure that the Lions continue to build and evolve year after year.

4. The Role of Collaboration and Teamwork

In an era where individual performance often takes center stage, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have demonstrated the power of collaboration and teamwork. Both men emphasize that football is, first and foremost, a team sport. During the NFL Combine, they are constantly observing not only how players perform individually but how they fit within the larger context of a team.

This is especially important when making draft decisions. Holmes and Campbell prioritize players who have demonstrated an ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment, whether that’s through their on-field chemistry with teammates or their capacity to integrate into a larger system. They recognize that a successful NFL team isn’t just made up of a collection of individual stars but rather a unified group of individuals who work well together.

An example of this philosophy can be seen in the Lions’ selection of players like linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, whose potential as a team player far outweighed his raw athletic numbers. Rodriguez had been a standout at Oklahoma State not only for his performance but for his leadership and ability to work cohesively within the defense. Holmes and Campbell valued these intangible qualities, knowing that collaboration and team chemistry are critical to the Lions’ success.

In every decision they make, both men emphasize that they are building something bigger than just the sum of its parts. They are crafting a collective mindset in which players support one another, play for the greater good, and understand that team success is the ultimate goal.

5. Adapting to the Evolving Nature of the NFL

The NFL is an ever-changing league. With new schemes, strategies, and trends emerging each year, it’s essential for team leaders to remain adaptable and open to change. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have exemplified this adaptability throughout their tenure with the Lions, particularly during the NFL Combine, where the league’s evolving needs are on full display.

Holmes and Campbell understand that in order to remain competitive, they must continually assess and adjust their approach. Whether it’s embracing new analytics, shifting strategies to meet changing trends, or evaluating players in a more holistic way, they are not afraid to change course when necessary. For example, the rise of mobile quarterbacks in the NFL has influenced many teams to adapt their defenses to better handle dual-threat quarterbacks. The Lions have made moves to ensure their defensive personnel can keep up with these changes, focusing on speed and versatility to combat the league’s evolving offenses.

Likewise, Campbell has been quick to adopt new coaching methods and techniques that help maximize player performance. He is known for his willingness to learn from others, whether that’s incorporating new training regimens, learning from other coaches in the league, or adjusting his coaching philosophy to fit his team’s needs. By staying open to change, Holmes and Campbell have ensured that the Lions are positioned for long-term success, even in a constantly evolving NFL landscape.

Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have demonstrated that success in the NFL is not solely about making the right draft picks or assembling a collection of star players. It’s about building a culture of accountability, fostering leadership, investing in player development, emphasizing teamwork, and remaining adaptable in a constantly changing environment. Their approach to the NFL Combine—and to team-building as a whole—offers valuable lessons in how to create a winning organization that is focused on long-term growth, leadership, and collaboration.

These principles have guided the Detroit Lions through a period of rebuilding and have set the foundation for what promises to be a successful and sustainable future. As the NFL continues to evolve, the lessons from Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell will serve as a blueprint for teams looking to build not only great players but great teams.