The Detroit Lions are focusing on the development of Sam LaPorta, their tight end, as the team’s new coach Tyler Roehl looks to enhance the run game. Emphasizing LaPorta’s strong work ethic and natural skills in the passing game, Roehl sees significant opportunities to improve his contributions on the ground.
Building Trust and Growth in the Bears’ Quarterback Room
Ben Johnson, entering his first season as the Chicago Bears head coach, is prioritizing the development of quarterback Caleb Williams, aiming to guide him toward becoming the franchise player. Johnson recognizes that creating a foundation of trust will take time and continuous effort during their first offseason together.
Johnson explained,
“It starts with developing a rapport and a trust, and that’s earned over time,”
emphasizing that this relationship isn’t immediate.
“You don’t walk in Day 1 and expect that to be achieved. The more time we spend together, he understands that I have his best interests at hearts, and vice versa. He’s going to go out there and play as well as he possibly can, not just for himself or me, but for the whole team and the city, that’s really what it comes down to. We’re very much aligned in terms of what we want to get done, it just takes more time on task, in terms of getting on the same page with how we’re going to do it.”
—Ben Johnson, Head Coach
He added that the Bears’ players generally want to be challenged and coached with intensity.
“I think that the great ones, they want to be coached hard,”
Johnson observed.
“That’s really the assumption we’re making with all of these guys. They all, at one point in time, they’ve either come up to my office or DA’s office, or (special teams coordinator) (Richard) Hightower’s office and they’ve all told us how much they want to be a good player, a good team. They want to be a part of greatness. We’re going to treat them as such, and part of that is coaching them hard.”
—Ben Johnson, Head Coach
Reflecting on his coaching approach, Johnson explained it blends lessons learned from various mentors and coaches.
“Everyone is different. I’ve been around a number of coordinators, a number of quarterback coaches,”
he said.
“I would say that my style is kind of a combination of everything that I’ve been around and I’ve come to learn and love and appreciate. There’s a process that I believe in, that we believe in, as an offensive staff, that we’re adhering to this springtime, and we’re going to stay true to that, and how we’re going to develop that position in particular. Those guys are doing a great job, they’re working hard right now.”
—Ben Johnson, Head Coach
New Coach Tyler Roehl Highlights Sam LaPorta’s Growth Potential
The Detroit Lions’ new tight ends coach Tyler Roehl recently shared his enthusiasm for developing Sam LaPorta, especially in expanding his skill set within the run game. Roehl noted LaPorta’s instincts in receiving but saw room for added value on running plays.
“He has a real natural feel in the pass game,”
Roehl said.
“Where can I continue to add value for him in the run game? He’s got the right mindset and intent. He has a really good foundation to build upon. There are small things in the run game I can help out with.”
—Tyler Roehl, Lions Tight Ends Coach
Roehl was also impressed by LaPorta’s humility and eagerness to improve.
“Talk about no ego and about the team. High capacity to learn and an unbelievable work ethic,”
he remarked.
“Our communication and the way he goes about his work, excited to continue to help add value to his game.”
—Tyler Roehl, Lions Tight Ends Coach
Micah Robinson Views Packers as the Perfect Fit After Draft Selection
Green Bay Packers’ seventh-round cornerback Micah Robinson made a single pre-draft visit, which was with the Packers, signaling a strong mutual interest. Following that visit, Green Bay selected Robinson as their last pick in the 2025 draft.
Recalling his visit, Robinson shared,
“On my visit I was joking with the coaches, actually, I was like, ‘I’m going to be back. Hopefully I’ll be back.’ I kind of just spoke it into existence.”
—Micah Robinson, Packers CB
He further reflected on his experience during the visit, praising the team’s culture and facilities.
“I had a great visit up here with them, Got to know the coaches. Got to tour the facilities. Loved everything. Loved everything about the culture. Loved everything about Green Bay. Now I’m back. Sometimes it only takes one. One team to believe in you. Green Bay believed in me, so I’m here now and I’m here to give everything I’ve got.”
—Micah Robinson, Packers CB
As a seventh-round pick, Robinson faces a competitive roster battle. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 185 pounds, he is considered best suited to play nickel corner, a position where Green Bay has needs.
Robinson is eager to demonstrate versatility.
“I want to show them I can play any position, whether that’s nickel or corner,”
he said.
“I want to play special teams. With my skill set, I want to show them they can put me anywhere on the field, and also be a low-maintenance guy. Whenever they need me, just go out there and do what I have to do.”
—Micah Robinson, Packers CB
Focused Growth and Development Across NFL Teams
The NFL offseasons are marked by coaching staffs emphasizing player development and teamwork. From Coach Ben Johnson’s efforts to foster a trusting relationship with Caleb Williams to the Lions’ strategic enhancement of Sam LaPorta’s run game skills, teams are cultivating talent to build success on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, players like Micah Robinson are capitalizing on favorable opportunities to join organizations that align with their goals.
For the Lions, Sam LaPorta’s continued improvement under Tyler Roehl’s guidance could translate to a stronger, more dynamic offense, particularly in the rushing attack. The commitment of both coach and player to rigorous work habits and open communication signals promising progress.
With such attention to detailed player development and coaching synergy, the coming NFL seasons are poised to showcase impactful growth for teams investing deeply in their young talents and coaching philosophies.