The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine starts this week in Indianapolis, and by the end of the event, the 32 NFL teams will have all the medical data and on-field testing numbers for the 329 NFL Draft prospects in attendance. The interview sessions between teams and prospects is also very important, particularly to the Lions. The Combine is a big step in the pre-draft process with pro days and player visits to team facilities to follow.
Here's a look at five things to watch as the Lions' front office, coaching and medical personnel prepare for the annual evaluation for most of this year's NFL Draft prospects:
1. Holmes and Campbell availability
Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are expected to speak to the media in Indianapolis.
Holmes said after the season that any perceived 'window to win now' won't change his preferred method for roster building with drafting, developing and re-signing their own talent the priority and using free agency to supplement the roster and fill gaps.
"I just think that we just stay the course and just keep building like we've been," he said. "I do think that we're very close. Obviously, I thought that we were very close this year, but nothing is going to alter what our approach has been in terms of trying to continue to improve and keep building. We're going to stay committed and continue the process."
Detroit was decimated by injury this season with 16 players finishing the season on IR, including 13 on defense. Going through something like that showed Holmes and Campbell just how important it is to have good depth up and down the roster.
It will be the first time we get to hear Campbell talk about all the changes to his coaching staff, including two new coordinators.
What do Holmes and Campbell view as the strengths of this draft on both sides of the ball? These are usually informative sessions on a wide range of topics.
View photos of the defensive line prospects who were invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (25) runs by Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in College Park. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander, bottom right, sacks Pittsburgh quarterback David Lynch (16) during the first half of the GameAbove Sports Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord (6) reaches for his fumble while tackled by Miami defensive lineman Tyler Baron (9) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Tyler Batty (92) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Georgia Tech defensive lineman Zeek Biggers (88) takes down Central Florida wide receiver Xavier Townsend (3) after a catch during the first half of the Gasparilla Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Iowa defensive lineman Yahya Black (94) rushes against Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Georgia defensive lineman Warren Brinson (97) sets up for a play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Texas defensive lineman Vernon Broughton (45) reacts after sacking Ohio State quarterback Will Howard during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch (1) tackles UCLA running back T.J. Harden during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) throws under pressure from Oregon defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell (90) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter (11) prepares to sack Maryland quarterback MJ Morris, left, during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins (95) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rice in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) sacks Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels, right, during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Syracuse defensive lineman Fadil Diggs (10) during the first half of an NCAA football game against Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Ethan Downs, right, sacks Navy quarterback Blake Horvath during the first half of the Armed Forces Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) defends against SMU during the first half of an NCAA college football game in University Park, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Florida State defensive lineman Joshua Farmer (44) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Louisville defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte (9) pursues Boston College wide receiver Lewis Bond (11) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Chestnut Hill, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) watches during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) celebrates sacking Northwestern quarterback Jack Lausch (12) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
National team defensive lineman Mike Green of Marshall (15) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Arkansas defender Eric Gregory against Tennessee during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton (58)defends against Minnesota in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Minneapolis. Ohio State won 45-31. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, right, is tackled by Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Then-Miami defensive lineman Jared Harrison-Hunte (81), who played for SMU in the 2024 season, sacks Virginia Tech quarterback Connor Blumrick (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Miami won 38-26. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Boise State defensive end Ahmed Hassanein (91) during the Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff game against Boise State, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
South Carolina defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway (91) catches a pass on a fake field goal-attempt as Vanderbilt defensive back Jaylen Mahoney, left, defends in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard is tackled by Boston College defensemen, including Cam Horsley (96), during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Georgia defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (93) sets up for a play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi defensive end Jared Ivey (15) blocks during a field goal attempt against Florida in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Samford quarterback Quincy Crittendon (2) is sacked by Florida edge George Gumbs Jr., bottom and defensive lineman Cam Jackson (99) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Arkansas defensive lineman Landon Jackson (40) gets ready to run a play against Louisiana Tech during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
LSU defensive end Sai'vion Jones (35) lines up during the second half of an NCAA football game against Florida State on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Illinois running back Chase Hayden carries the ball as Minnesota defensive lineman Jah Joyner comes from behind to make the tackle during a NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. Joyner led the team in quarterback pressures despite being in a backup role. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
South Carolina defensive tackle DeAndre Jules (99) recovers a fumble and celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Old Dominion, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
South Carolina edge Kyle Kennard (5) plays against Vanderbilt during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Iowa State running back Jaylon Jackson (12) is tackled by Baylor linebacker Steve Linton during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
West Virginia's Sean Martin #91 in action against Towson during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Morgantown, W. Va. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Rylie Mills (99) celebrates during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2) walks to the sideline after a play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Missouri offensive lineman Javon Foster, right, blocks Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
National team defensive lineman Oluwafemi Oladejo of UCLA (99) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Clemson defensive tackle Payton Page (55) returns an interception for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Citadel on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Virginia Tech defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles tackles Stanford quarterback Justin Lamson, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Mississippi's JJ Pegues, right, runs past a Mississippi State defender into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs the ball while Maryland defensive lineman Jordan Phillips (8) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Old Dominion's Chris Adams (65) squares up to Antwaun Powell-Ryland (52)) in the second half against Virginia Tech of an NCAA college football Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)
North Carolina defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie (5) and defensive lineman Tomari Fox (0) close in on Appalachian State running back Nate Noel, middle, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)
SMU defensive end Elijah Roberts (5) pressures Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) during the first half of the American Athletic Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Alabama linebacker Que Robinson (34) sets up against South Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Nebraska defensive lineman Ty Robinson (9) pursues Purdue quarterback Hudson Card (1) in the backfield during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
North Carolina defensive end Kaimon Rucker (7) rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is run the ball past South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders (90) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) rushes during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Texas, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Texas A&M's Nic Scourton (11) celebrates a defensive stop during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Tennessee defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (10) celebrates after stopping a run by Oklahoma during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Alabama defensive lineman Tim Smith (50) sets up before a play against Georgia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Texas edge defender Barryn Sorrell (88) rushes Georgia quarterback Carson Beck during the first half an NCAA football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Georgia defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse (78) woorks against Ball State offensive lineman Ethan Crowe (54) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart (5) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart (4) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers fumbles as he is hit by LSU defensive end Bradyn Swinson (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. LSU recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Utah defensive tackle Junior Tafuna (58) reacts after a forced fumble recovery during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. runs the ball against UCLA defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Seattle. Washington won 31-19. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau celebrates after tackling Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love during first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) sacks Bowling Green quarterback Connor Bazelak (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) sets up for a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
National team defensive lineman David Walker of Central Arkansas (33) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker (0) in action during an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Oct. 19 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. Florida defeated Kentucky 48-20. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) fends off Indiana defensive lineman CJ West (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) sets up for a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams lines up during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
2. Hearing from new OC John Morton and new DC Kelvin Sheppard
Both Morton and Sheppard are expected to talk to local media early in the week.
Campbell hired Morton, 55, to be his new offensive coordinator after the Bears hired Ben Johnson to be Chicago's new head coach. Morton was on Campbell's staff in Detroit in 2022 as a senior offensive assistant in Johnson's first year as offensive coordinator as Detroit was No. 4 in total offense (380.0) and No. 5 in scoring that season. Morton's fingerprints are all over this offense.
Sheppard, 37, started with the Lions coaching outside linebackers and he has coached the entire linebacking unit for the past three years. He takes over as defensive coordinator after Aaron Glenn took the New York Jets' head coaching job.
What are their core philosophies? How might schemes look the same or different? What do they think of the talent they have coming back on both sides of the ball?
3. Defensive line class is deep and talented
On paper, the Lions have a pretty stellar starting four coming back upfront next season in Aidan Hutchinson, Za'Darius Smith, Alim McNeill and DJ Reader, but depth is essential at every position and the 2024 season showed the Lions just how valuable it is upfront along the defensive line after losing three starters and a number of key reserves throughout the the year to season-ending injuries.
This looks to be one of the deepest defensive tackle classes in some time, and there are talented edge rushers who will be able to help a team's pass rush well into Day 2 of this draft. How will they perform in testing and on-field drills?
Free agency taking place in March before April's draft in Green Bay has a way of changing draft needs. As it stands right now, Detroit's biggest needs are additions upfront along the defensive line, both in the interior and along the edge, and adding interior offensive line depth and potentially linebacker, cornerback and receiver depth.
Expect Holmes, Campbell and Sheppard to take a long, hard look at this year's defensive line prospects.
4. Don't gloss over offensive prospects
Detroit's had one of the top offensive line units in the NFL for a few years now and Holmes and Campbell are set on making sure it stays that way.
Four of Detroit's five starters are under contract in 2025 with right guard Kevin Zeitler set to hit free agency. Detroit's pretty high on reserve guard Christian Mahogany having a bigger role in 2025. Will that be at right guard or competing with left guard Graham Glasgow for playing time? This is a terrific class of interior offensive linemen at the Combine.
"I just think you've got to keep the whole garden watered at all points," Holmes said after the season on the priority of making sure the offensive line remains a strength. "That's the engine for us. And so, I don't care how good we ever get on the offensive line, that one right there is too important for not only our team, our quarterback, everything, it's our identity, man. So, I think just that alone is just – it's always going to be at the forefront."
5. NFC North
I always like listening to what the general managers and head coaches from Minnesota, Green Bay and Chicago have to say during their media sessions in Indy.
There could certainly be some interesting tidbits from those sessions this year with Johnson taking over in Chicago, Minnesota having a big question to answer at quarterback, and Green Bay trying to figure out a way to take the next step to dethroning back-to-back NFC North Champ Detroit.
It's always good to stay on top of what's happening in the division.
