The Lions made Jack Campbell the first inside linebacker to come off the board in last year’s draft. The No. 18 pick did not, however, enter his rookie season with a starting defensive role in hand. 
Veteran Alex Anzalone enjoyed a career year in 2023, racking up 129 tackles and three sacks. Derrick Barnes, meanwhile, saw time at inside linebacker but also on the outside. Campbell had a notable role in the group with a 59% defensive snap share, but a larger workload should be coming his way in 2024.
The 23-year-old is expected to take on a Day 1 starting spot this season, as noted by team reporter Tim Twentyman. Campbell wound up making 12 starts in the regular season (along with two more during the Lions’ run to the NFC title game), but a full-time spot alongside Anzalone would represent an uptick in usage. He amassed 95 tackles and a pair of sacks as a rookie, although his play in pass coverage leaves plenty of room for improvement.
Campbell allowed a completion on 25 of 31 targets last season, surrendering a passer rating of 128.2 and a pair of touchdowns as the nearest defender. Developing in that regard would allow the Iowa product to earn further trust from Detroit’s coaching staff. The likes of Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Malcolm Rodriguez are also still in the fold for Detroit, though, and they could take on third-down responsibilities in Campbell’s place if need be.
Twentyman also notes Barnes saw reps at both inside and outside linebacker this spring, meaning he could continue to be used in a variety of ways moving forward. The 2021 fourth-rounder saw time in a rotational capacity during his first two seasons, but in 2023 he logged a 68% snap share. Barnes translated that into 81 tackles and eight pressures, and Campbell settling into an every-down role on the inside could allow him to further expand his versatility.
The Lions ranked second against the run last season, and with considerable continuity in the linebacking core a repeat of that showing should be expected in 2024. Campbell and Barnes are each positioned to play a notable role in that effort, and their showings during training camp will be worth watching closely.
Detroit needs to trade Malcolm Rodriguez. They’re completely misusing him there.
This is an oddly small hill to plant your flag in.
He should be a starter. Detroit has no room for him.
Detroit is gonna have a great run D next year
Why would they trade Rodriguez? A core special teamer that can fill in at both LB positions?