The Detroit Lions' defense had a tough finish to the 2024 NFL season.
After injuries piled up throughout the season, they were shredded by the Buffalo Bills late in the regular season and then by the Washington Commanders in the playoffs as the Lions were eliminated.
The defense shouldn't have the same issues in 2025 as they get key pieces back from injury and expect to see continued improvement from some of the young starters in their lineup.
Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman even believes one of those young players could become the NFL's best linebacker in 2025.
In a recent article, Wasserman named Lions linebacker Jack Campbell as a player who could become the best in the league at his position.
Campbell had an immediate impact after the Lions drafted him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
He became a regular starter in his first season and was a part of 95 tackles in that first year, including five tackles for loss.
Campbell became an even larger part of the Lions' defense in 2024. He started all 17 games and was a part of 131 tackles in year two, once again making five tackles for a loss. He also defended five passes and forced a fumble.
Now the linebacker corps will be back at full strength in 2025 with Derrick Barnes healthy and re-signed and that could mean even better things are on the horizon for Campbell.
The Lions must already be pleased with the return they've gotten from the 18th pick in the 2023 draft and there is the potential they could be even happier with the decision after the 2025 season.
