Early Buzz from the NFL Combine: Lions Connections, EDGE Prospects & More
The NFL Combine is in full swing, and as usual, it’s not just about the prospects. It’s also a prime time for teams to discuss coaching changes, league-wide trends, and, of course, those all-important draft evaluations.
Packers GM Talks NFC North, Tush-Push Rule
Detroit’s division rival, the Green Bay Packers, had their GM, Brian Gutekunst, fielding questions. One of the hot topics? The infamous “tush-push” play, which has sparked plenty of debate after the Eagles used it to great success. While some teams want it banned, Gutekunst admitted that Green Bay hasn’t had much success stopping it—but he hasn’t given it much thought. He noted that injury data might play a role in the discussions leading up to the owners’ meetings.
On the state of the NFC North, Gutekunst kept it simple: “Really good football this year, a lot of good quarterback play, solid organizations.” With the Lions surging, the division is set up for fierce competition in the coming years.
New Patriots DC Terrell Williams Gets Praise
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had some interesting things to say about his new defensive coordinator, Terrell Williams, who recently served as the Lions’ defensive line coach. Williams is taking over defensive play-calling duties in New England, and Vrabel emphasized his aggressive mindset. He also pointed out that Williams has grown as a coach, learning from his time with both the Titans and the Lions.
With New England in a transition phase, Williams’ ability to connect the front and back ends of the defense will be key to shaping the Patriots’ new identity.
EDGE Prospects: A Strong Draft Class?
Vrabel also weighed in on the defensive prospects at this year’s combine, particularly the EDGE rushers. He described the class as having a lot of depth and personality—some players coming across as serious and business-like, while others showed a more engaging and outgoing side. The Patriots coach stressed that the evaluation process is all about finding the right fit and vision for each team.
For Lions fans, EDGE is an interesting position to watch. While Detroit has built a strong defensive line, adding another pass-rusher could elevate Aaron Glenn’s unit even further. Keep an eye on names like Nic Scourton and other top prospects as the draft process unfolds.
Final Thoughts
The NFL Combine is just getting started, and there will be plenty more buzz in the coming days. With the Lions in a strong position to build on their recent success, these early conversations around coaching changes, rule tweaks, and top prospects give us a glimpse of what’s to come. Stay tuned!