Ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, Dan Campbell addressed his thoughts on the potential prospects the team could add to the roster, via the draft, with a small group of reporters.
Detroit has been linked to several players at the No. 2 spot. Among them is defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, it appears that the head coach is not impressed with the Oregon Ducks star.
According to The MMQB’s Albert Breer, Campbell “isn’t a fan” of Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux. Breer said none of his sources see the defensive end as “in any way a culture fit” for Campbell’s Lions.
“His personality is a lot,” a league executive told Breer, “and you hear the head coach there isn’t a fan.”
ESPN’s Matt Miller reported that the prospect has become one of this year’s “most polarizing prospects” due to what sources described as “poor” interviews with interested teams.
The draft doesn’t have a clear standout franchise quarterback on the board, so the team will likely look to defense. Breer believes they will target Georgia’s Travon Walker unless Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson remains available.
At Oregon’s pro day, Detroit notably sent seven staffers, including general manager Brad Holmes. Campbell explained why the organization has spent more time evaluating Thibodeaux than other draft prospects.
“You just want to make sure that any questions you have, that you have them answered,” Campbell said. “That’s the best way to say it. Some guys, you can get those questions a lot sooner. Some guys, those questions got answered two months ago. Some, it goes all the way down the line. And, that’s top to bottom, that’s across the board. That’s not always just the athletic ability, that’s the other things. So, could be mental, could be anything. That’s just kind of the nature of it.”
Thibodeaux had 49 tackles and seven sacks in 10 games for the Ducks last season.