Heading into free agency, Dan Campbell said the Lions were looking for 'gritty, salty' players familiar with the new regime.
So far, he feels they've followed the plan.
"I thought it was important, particularly in free agency," Campbell told 96.7 The Ticket in Dallas. "One of the things I told our staff was, 'Man, let's find these guys that A, we know they can play but B, that we've had relationships with and we know.'"
Since the start of the offseason, the Lions have added six players who played under a new coach or a new executive in Detroit.
Campbell was with Josh Hill and Alex Anzalone on the Saints, GM Brad Holmes and assistant GM Ray Agnew were with Jared Goff and Michael Brockers on the Rams, offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn was with Tyrell Williams on the Chargers and receivers coach Antwaan Randle El was with Breshad Perriman on the Buccaneers.
Campbell also pointed out they signed former Packers RB Jamaal Williams and "we got Green Bay twice."
"That's important, man, because those guys feel like, we got coaches who stand on the table for us and they know exactly who we are," Campbell said. "I think that's comfort for a player to be able to come in and know we want you because we know what you're about.
"Look, we're no different than anybody else. Even if you're a great player, we don't want turds here, man. We don't want lazy guys, we don't want guys that are up and down and we don't want flash players. If you're a flash guy where it's like, 'My god, did you see that play?' and the next play he's in the tank, we don't know where he's at, we don't know what he's going to do, I got nothing for those guys. It's the ones that are consistent and you see it all the time."
The Lions will take a similar approach to the draft, where Campbell said he and Holmes care more about scouting 'football players' than worrying about the numbers that come out of workouts. So for Campbell, no combine is just fine.
"I'm actually comfortable with it, I know Brad's comfortable with it. It's pretty fun, man, just grade the football player. And then the numbers, how much do they skew you? And they shouldn't, really. Now here's the difference. You see a cornerback you love and then he runs a 4.9, well, that's a problem. And yet, man, there's something to be said for scouting the football player before you even get to the numbers, so I'm enjoying it," Campbell said. "I think it's a good way to go."
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So is he enjoying his first offseason as a head coach after spending five years under the wing of Sean Payton in New Orleans. Campbell said he's been particularly impressed with the enthusiasm of Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp.
"I feel like I'm ready for this," he said. "I don't feel like there's anything that we've hit to this point that's been over my head or too much. I don't feel like I'm swimming. But I also have a great group around me, man. Brad Holmes has been outstanding, Sheila Ford is kick-ass. I'm telling you, she's top notch. We got lucky now, we're fortunate, because she's on top of it. She wants to know what we need help with, what resources, she doesn't dictate, she doesn't tell us anything. She just wants to be here to help and to be involved and listen, so she's been great."
