DFN Mailbag: Lions' OC decision, big names on the trade block and more

With the Super Bowl this weekend and the combine later this month, it felt like a good time to check the mailbox. Since there were so many questions, I’m going to answer a batch today and another tomorrow. Enjoy.

Question: Do you get the sense that the offense will be the same under John Morton? Or will there be some noticeable differences in how that side of the ball operates? — Dante

Justin: There will be changes, but it's too early to accurately elaborate on the extent. In fact, it might not be easy to decipher until we see the system in action next season.

I'm still sifting through Morton's background and influences, but there's a heavy dosage of West Coast offense. That was a piece of Ben Johnson's DNA, as well, having been introduced to the system in college while keeping many of the concepts in the playbook after his time working with Darrell Bevell in Detroit.

Morton's past indicates he's less reliant on play-action than Detroit has been, but good coaches recognize their players' strengths. Denver, where Morton worked as a passing game coordinator in 2024, used run fakes significantly more than the Jets did when he coordinated the team's offense in 2017.

Morton had input during the construction of Detroit's scheme under Johnson. Ultimately, we should expect the replacement to bend components toward his background, preferences and verbiage. Regardless, one thing we should anticipate is continued input from Jared Goff. I don't believe Campbell makes this hire if the QB doesn't sign off on it.

Question: Was Tanner Engstrand seriously considered for OC? I've read that he was the next Ben Johnson, waiting in the wings. Did Dan Campbell want to fundamentally get away from that style of offense? — Nicholas Serapiglia

Justin: Campbell hasn't talked since making his staffing decisions, and he probably won't ever discuss, in detail, the people he passed over for the vacancies. However, given the coach's emphasis on philosophical and schematic continuity, Enstrand was certainly considered and likely interviewed.

Expressing a personal perspective formulated in admittedly limited interactions with Engstrand, I wondered about his ability to command a room. I readily acknowledge these perceptions could be misguided. Still, in press conference settings, he didn't project the same confidence or authoritativeness as Aaron Glenn, Ben Johnson or Scottie Montgomery.

It made me think back to when Scott Linehan was Detroit's offensive coordinator. At that time, there were whispers Matthew Stafford wasn't held to the highest standards of accountability, which prevented the quarterback from maximizing his potential earlier in his career.

More than Xs and Os, I questioned whether Engstrand could demand perfection from Detroit's star power the same way Johnson did. It could certainly explain why Campbell turned to a more veteran, experienced voice.

It has nothing to do with the scheme. Johnson's offense, a mash-up of several systems, worked at the highest level. Any suggestion opponents were figuring it out was ridiculous commentary not rooted in reality. Morton was in Detroit to help with the system's conception and implementation. He will provide Campbell with the adequate level of philosophical continuity the coach desires.

Question: What can be learned from the Eagles' bounceback year besides picking up Saquon Barkley from the Giants? — JFL

Justin: Otherwise, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

OK, that's a bit much, but Barkley was a transformative addition for the Eagles. He provided offensive stability, taking pressure off quarterback Jalen Hurts from having to shoulder the load. That was particularly valuable given star receiver A.J. Brown was slowed by some injury issues this season.

But as much as Barkley, the other addition that fueled the Eagles' resurgence was the hiring of Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator. Obviously, some newcomers made substantial contributions to that unit. Still, Fangio's schemes are simple and proven, and with quality talent, they can be downright dangerous. The team went from allowing 25.2 points per game last season to 17.8 in 2024.

Question: What is the likelihood that the Lions land Cooper Kupp or Myles Garrett? — Dominic Weakland

Question: Would you trade a first, a third, and Hendon Hooker for Myles Garrett? — Matthew Sharp

Justin: First, on Garrett, I projected the hypothetical cost in an analysis earlier in the week. To summarize, it's probably prohibitive and runs counter to Brad Holmes' roster-building strategy. It was definitely more than the package proposed by Matthew. If that's all that it would take, I'd pull the trigger without hesitation. But, as stated, I’d anticipate it taking significantly more.

As for Kupp, I don't see the fit. The Lions don't need a soon-to-be 32-year-old receiver who is on the downside of his career, will cost close to $20 million this season and next, and plays a role that heavily overlaps with the way the Lions use Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Question: I wondered if the college scouting and pro scouting departments are intact from last year. — Paul Van Randwyk

Justin: For now.

Changes to the scouting departments typically occur after free agency and the draft. The primary exception is when another franchise poaches someone for a promotion. This happened the past two years when the Cardinals and Commanders hired away Dave Sears and Lance Newmark.

Question: What would be your All-Lions team since you started covering them? — Scott_D

Justin: Man, what a question.

OK, let’s go. Remember, I started in 2011.

Quarterback: Matthew Stafford

Running back: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery

Wide receivers: Calvin Johnson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Golden Tate

Tight end: Sam LaPorta

Offensive line: Taylor Decker, Rob Sims, Frank Ragnow, Larry Warford, Penei Sewell

Edge: Aidan Hutchinson, Ezekiel Ansah

Defensive tackle: Ndamukong Suh, Alim McNeill

Linebacker: DeAndre Levy, Alex Anzalone, Stephen Tulloch

Cornerback: Darius Slay, Chris Houston (I guess), Brian Branch (nickel)

Safety: Glover Quin, Kerby Joseph

Specialists: Matt Prater, Jack Fox, Don Muhlbach, Kalif Raymond

Quarterback will probably generate the most feedback. I acknowledge Goff is quickly closing the gap. He’s just so damn efficient. Still, it’s not a stretch to say Stafford was more physically gifted. Goff has benefited from a better support system, from surrounding talent to coaches.

Other players I could see pushing someone off the list in the near future are Jack Campbell, Jameson Williams, Terrion Arnold, and maybe even Jake Bates.

Question: With the coaching departures and changes, what is our overall success benchmark for next year? — Basia

Justin: It doesn't change. I think you should reasonably expect a Super Bowl appearance in 2025. With the roster talent, anything less would be a disappointment.

Question: If the Lions don't bring back Carlton Davis III, how comfortable do you think they would be with Terrion Arnold/Amik Robertson/Ennis Rakestraw as their top three? — Jeremy Friedrichs

Justin: It's not ideal, but you can succeed with that trio. Arnold should take a step forward with his consistency and production in year two after banking more than 1,000 snaps in the regular season and playoffs. Robertson is a fiery competitor who has shown he can hold his own in a man-heavy coverage scheme. And while Rakestraw is an unknown, he looked promising throughout his inaugural training camp when working in the slot. The biggest concern is his durability. And, generally speaking, that extends to the entire position group.

Assuming they can't retain Davis, and are unable to bring in a starting-level replacement via free agency, drafting a cornerback early makes sense. Robertson only has one year left on his current contract. A rookie would provide immediate depth and a potential long-term starter.

Question: What open coaching vacancies remain, and do we have any idea who the potential hires could be? — Paul S

Justin: The known vacancies are wide receiver coach, tight end coach and assistant quarterbacks coach. If not offered a promotion, candidates for those roles would need to be currently unemployed or get permission from their current employer.

I don’t have any names to offer for those spots beyond a potential internal promotion for Seth Ryan, the team’s assistant receivers coach for the past four seasons. Determining a candidate pool for position coaches is beyond the time I have available.

Question: Who are all the people in the booth with Dan Miller? He always has two guys flanking him, one pointing to what I assume is a roster list or depth chart, and another guy on the other side with binoculars. What are their responsibilities/roles? — Shelby Ortner

Justin: The gentlemen you’re referencing are Carl Moll and Mike Bratta.

Moll is the team’s director of broadcasting. On top of managing the timing elements of the broadcast, he doubles as Miller’s spotter. A spotter’s job is to quickly identify/confirm the details of a play, such as who made the tackle and how many yards were gained.

Bratta is Miller’s long-time researcher and statistician. He comes into the game with comprehensive notes on trends and statistical milestones, among other things, and he provides Miller (sticky) notes on the fly to accentuate the information relayed to the listener.