Dan Campbell and the team are moving on this offseason without the help of Ben Johnson. So, all eyes will be set on the HC and new offensive coordinator, John Morton’s decision. And per the reports, as the NFL draft is coming soon, the Detroit Lions will mainly focus on defensive linemen, right guard, and cornerback. So, if the speculation turns true, the franchise might once again draft a CB in the first round like last year.
In 2024, Dan Campbell and the Lions took Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw in the first two rounds. They even signed D.J. Reed to a three-year deal worth $48 million, and now they are perhaps looking to draft a new corner member in the house.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport on X, “#Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston visited the #Lions,” on Tuesday. Although Hairston is also set to visit the Raiders on Wednesday, Dan Campbell’s Lions might keep an eye on him after the visit.
Maxwell Hairston was a starter for Kentucky for the past two seasons. But in 2024, things hit a bump. A shoulder injury kept him out for five games. Still, when he was on the field? He didn’t waste a second – Nineteen tackles, one sack, and one pick-six. That’s how you fight through pain. But his real breakout was in 2023, where he recorded five interceptions, two returned for touchdowns. So, in total, the athlete has intercepted six times in the last two years.
Some visits today:
— #Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston visited the #Lions today and has the #Raiders tomorrow.
— #UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger was visiting the #Panthers today.
— #Texas WR Isaiah Bond visited the #Browns today.
— #NotreDame WR Beaux Collins visited the #Bears…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2025
If we talk about his physical stature (6’1″), the man’s made for this league. His specialty is that he locks in at the line and throws off every route, no free release, no easy plays. In addition, he plays corner, like a bouncer. And when he drops into the zone? Maxwell Hairston reads the field like a vet. His quick reactions are enough to make quarterbacks nervous. That’s the reason why Dan Campbell and the Lions are looking to draft him. But let’s not skip the fact that besides Hairston, the franchise is also keeping a check on Ole Miss defensive back Trey Amos. This talented player has also shown his ability in press-man coverage.
Hence, it’s speculated that Dan Campbell and the team will most likely draft a CB once again this year. But whatever decision they may take, it will be without Campbell’s friend.
Dan Campbell is confident without Ben Johnson?
After putting up a great show together, former OC Ben Johnson left Dan Campbell and the Lions to join a new team. He went to Chicago as the team’s new head coach. As the roles and responsibilities have increased for the Bears’ HC, similarly, for Campbell, the task isn’t going to be easy this year. Nevertheless, he is still excited and confident about what he has.
Guess what? The players are the main reasons Dan Campbell is sure of not failing in 2025. During an interview, he said, “This is a Detroit Lion offense, is what it is. … This offense is Jared Goff, (Amon-Ra) St. Brown, (Jahmyr) Gibbs, (David) Montgomery,” Campbell said last week, via the Detroit News. “It’s Frank (Ragnow); it’s (Penei) Sewell; it’s (Taylor) Decker. I can keep (going). It’s (Jameson Williams). … That’s what we are.”
The Lions are almost all back. Ten of the eleven starters on offense have returned. The only one gone is Kevin Zeitler, who walked in free agency this time. Nevertheless, for Dan Campbell, it’s not just about schemes or play-callers. It’s about his players – his beasts of the O-line. But all he wants now from his players is to step up.
But here’s the real question: Will John Morton bring the same spark Johnson did? Will he take chances? And get creative when it counts? September story still has some time!
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