In recent seasons, the Detroit Lions have transformed from having a single starter-caliber off-the-ball linebacker to boasting several. Alex Anzalone has shown steady improvement, Jack Campbell appears poised for a significant second-year leap, and Derrick Barnes made notable progress last season. Malcolm Rodriguez, who started 15 games and recorded 87 tackles as a rookie in 2022, could easily be a starter for many other teams.
Special teams standout Jalen Reeves-Maybin also excelled when given defensive snaps last season.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) continues to release its position group rankings, covering linebacker units this week.
The Lions’ linebackers have been notably disrespected in PFF’s rankings. Although they might not have deserved a top-10 spot this year, being ranked No. 22 seems unjust.
PFF writer Gordon McGuiness commented on the low ranking:
“The rookie learning curve for linebackers can be steep, so Jack Campbell’s struggles in his first year shouldn’t be a major concern. The key will be how quickly he can improve in his second season after earning a 75.8 PFF run-defense grade and a 35.3 coverage grade.”
“Alongside Campbell, Alex Anzalone is coming off the highest-graded season of his career (69.8) in his seventh NFL campaign.”
Campbell’s poor coverage grade as a rookie likely contributed to the Lions’ low overall ranking, with Barnes also struggling in coverage (53.2, ranking in the bottom 12 at the position). Anzalone’s coverage grade (66.1) was among the top 35.
Despite this, all three linebackers had solid run-defense grades, with Campbell leading at 75.8 (21st among 84 qualifying linebackers).
The Lions’ linebacker group is deep, talented, and versatile—qualities that many teams would envy. If Campbell reaches his potential this year, the Lions could find themselves with a top-10 unit in future rankings.
