Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is wasting no time putting his young talent to the test.
With the preseason opener just around the corner — a high-profile Hall of Fame Game matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on July 31 — Campbell confirmed that he expects the team’s rookies to see meaningful playing time. And not just a few reps, either. The plan is to give many of them a real taste of NFL action under the lights.
“We’re going to get a good look at these young guys,” Campbell said. “This is their shot to show us what they’ve got when it counts, in game situations, not just practice.”
The Lions’ 2025 draft class and undrafted free agents have already made waves during training camp. Standouts like second-round cornerback Terrion Arnold, third-round defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr., and rookie wideouts Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett have impressed the coaching staff with their effort and playmaking ability in practice. Now, Campbell wants to see if they can carry that momentum into game day.
For a franchise with serious playoff aspirations, these early preseason snaps aren’t just filler — they’re auditions. The Lions are deeper than they’ve been in years, especially on defense, but there are still roles up for grabs. Whether it’s special teams reps, rotational snaps on defense, or a chance to earn time with the starters, the Hall of Fame Game is an early proving ground.
Campbell’s approach reflects his belief in “earned opportunities.” Veterans may sit or play limited snaps, but rookies will be given a chance to battle — and those who flash in live action will almost certainly see their stock rise.
“It’s a learning process,” Campbell added. “You’re going to make mistakes, but I want to see how you respond to them. Can you bounce back? Can you make plays? This is where it starts.”
The message is clear: the Lions are all in on evaluating their rookie class from the jump. And for those looking to carve out a spot on this increasingly competitive roster, Thursday night’s game could be the most important 30 snaps of their young careers.
Dan Campbell Plans to Let the Rookies Loose in Preseason Debut
