Strong Culture Makes Lions a Safe Bet to Draft Tennessee Titans' James Pearce and Mike Green

The Detroit Lions have established a strong team culture, built on leadership from veteran players and a disciplined coaching staff. That solid foundation might make Detroit an ideal destination for highly talented edge rushers like Mike Green and James Pearce, both of whom have faced questions about their character during the pre-draft process.

Despite off-the-field concerns, both Green and Pearce had standout college careers and have caught the attention of NFL scouts. With the right environment, like the one in Detroit, they could thrive at the professional level.

Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have consistently handled off-field issues swiftly and without allowing them to become major distractions. The organization took decisive action in the past, such as when defensive backs Cam Sutton and Brandon Joseph were quickly dismissed following serious off-field issues.

A key strength of the Lions organization is the support they offer for player development beyond football. The team invests in mental health services, personal growth programs, and professional development resources to help athletes succeed as individuals as well as teammates.

General manager Brad Holmes emphasized the thorough nature of the team’s background checks during his pre-draft media session. He explained that assessing character is a detailed and ongoing process, not something that can be determined from a simple headline or report.

“It’s case-by-case,” Holmes said. “There’s a lot of depth and research involved. We build our evaluations year-round. A headline doesn’t always capture the truth, so we have to dig deeper.”

Holmes avoided specifics about the team’s methods but made clear that their process is comprehensive and focused on understanding the full story behind a prospect’s background.

At Tennessee’s pro day, James Pearce addressed the concerns surrounding his character by highlighting his positive qualities and emphasizing his commitment to being a good teammate and person.

“I’m a great guy, a great teammate, and I’ve got a good heart,” Pearce said. “I’ll just keep proving I’m the best edge rusher and defender in this draft.”

Mike Green, on the other hand, has firmly denied the allegations raised against him. He believes his rise through the draft process is proof of his true character.

“As you’ve seen, I keep rising up,” Green stated. “That should say a lot. I’ve stayed honest and consistent. I’m confident teams will see who I really am when we talk.”

While the primary goal of Detroit’s front office is to win football games, the organization also stands out for its dedication to helping players grow personally. With the support structures already in place, both Green and Pearce could benefit greatly from a team like the Lions, which prioritizes accountability, development, and second chances.

For prospects like these, Detroit may offer not just a team, but a true opportunity to grow both on and off the field.