Young Lions defender earns some major hype before 2025 season

The Detroit Lions had a run of terrible injury luck in 2024 on the defensive side of the ball, but the benefit of such a catastrophe was valuable experience for others.

Multiple different players were charged with keeping the team afloat, and given the Lions finished 15-2 with the NFC's top seed, that mission was accomplished. The subsequent playoff collapse dampened spirits, but the benefit of those struggles could show itself in 2025.

One of the most important players last season was linebacker Jack Campbell, who stepped up when Alex Anzalone was lost for a stretch. Campbell proved himself in his second year in the league as a leader, earning major attention for his play.

PFF analyst Dalton Wasserman identified players who could soon be the best in the NFL at their positions, and Campbell was his answer at linebacker. The biggest reason? Campbell stayed healthy and minus two bad games, showed up well against the run and pass.

"The Lions’ defense dealt with a wave of injuries to several key players in 2024, but linebacker Jack Campbell managed to stay healthy and took a major step forward after a rocky rookie season. His 78.7 overall grade ranked 10th among linebackers last year."

"Campbell’s grading profile was weighed down by two rough outings against Houston and Buffalo. Removing those games, his overall grade jumps to 86.9 — a mark that would have ranked fourth at the position over a full season."

"Even with those performances included, Campbell was one of just three linebackers to rank inside the top 15 in both run defense and coverage grade."

Statistically, Campbell took major leaps in 2024. He started 17 games, posting 131 tackles, five passes defended and one forced fumble, all of which were new career highs. This trajectory points to a great future for the former No. 18 pick.

Jack Campbell coming into vital 2025 season for Detroit Lions

This season feels like a tipping point for Campbell. The Lions signed Anzalone in 2023 to a three-year extension, and he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. At 30 years old, he might not be a long-term solution for the Lions.

Campbell has been able to watch Anzalone closely the last few seasons, and will be ready to start to assume the mantle as a defensive leader spiritually and otherwise. If he's able to continue to show growth as a player, it will be easier for the Lions to make a tough decision.

Should Campbell take the leap that Wasserman and PFF project, the Lions will be better for it. A premium linebacker would allow the Lions options at the position, and would take pressure off Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez as well.

The Lions raised eyebrows when they selected Campbell in the first-round in 2023, but his emergence is now underway. If he becomes one of the best linebackers in the league, it will be a huge win for Detroit.