The Detroit Lions have built something rare in the NFL — a locker room with real leadership and a culture strong enough to support young players both on and off the field. That foundation might be exactly why Detroit shouldn’t shy away from drafting high-upside edge rushers like James Pearce or Mike Green, even with some off-field question marks attached.
Pearce and Green are both serious talents who had strong college careers, but they’ve had to spend the pre-draft process answering tough questions about past behavior and character concerns. In a weaker locker room, they might be seen as too risky. But in Detroit? This team has already proven it can manage distractions and keep the focus where it belongs — on football.
We’ve seen it before: when major issues came up with guys like Cam Sutton and Brandon Joseph, the Lions acted fast and made it clear those distractions wouldn’t linger. At the same time, Detroit is also a team that invests heavily in helping its players grow. With access to mental health support, medical professionals, and a coaching staff that truly cares, the Lions give players more than just a chance to succeed on the field — they help them thrive off it too.
GM Brad Holmes made it clear during his pre-draft press conference that character evaluations are never black-and-white. “It’s not just about headlines,” he said. “You’ve got to dig deep, case by case, and really understand the full story.” Holmes emphasized how thorough the process is and how their scouting team builds that understanding over an entire year.
As for Pearce, he’s been vocal about proving doubters wrong. “I’m a great guy, great teammate, great player,” he said at his Tennessee pro day. “I’ve got a good heart. I’m just going to keep showing I’m the best edge rusher in this draft.”
Green, for his part, denied the allegations against him and said his rise through the draft process speaks for itself. “The truth always wins,” he said confidently.
Bottom line: Detroit isn’t afraid of players with past concerns — as long as the work ethic and growth mindset are there. And under Dan Campbell, the Lions might be exactly the environment Pearce or Green need to reach their full potential.
Lions Culture Could Be Key to Drafting Controversial Talent Like James Pearce or Mike Green
