Lions' 2023 Roster Bubble: Linebackers

Examining Lions' linebackers who are on bubble to make 2023 roster.

When the Detroit Lions selected Jack Campbell No. 18 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, it came as a shock to many who follow the team closely. 

Though the Iowa linebacker was a standout at the college level, it was a puzzling move for multiple reasons. For one, he wasn't viewed by pundits as a top-20 talent, and the team had also re-signed starter Alex Anzalone. 

With Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes also in tow, Detroit suddenly has a linebackers room with depth. The competition will be fierce heading into training camp, as nobody is guaranteed a starting spot. 

Detroit will roll out two inside linebackers, along with an outside linebacker that traditionally lines up along the edge of the defensive line. 

Anzalone is the favorite to start as the team's inside linebacker and play-caller. In two previous seasons with the Lions, he has started a total of 31 games. 

Last season, Rodriguez emerged as the second starter at the position. He demonstrated strong technique, and showed a knack for being in the correct spot on every rep. 

With Campbell joining the fold, he'll have to compete to get onto the field. As a rookie, Rodriguez earned a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 62.8. 

The Oklahoma State product was a physical player and a sure tackler in the run game, but struggled against the pass. He received a 55.1 coverage grade from PFF, which was fourth among linebackers on the roster last season.

Campbell may instantly be the best cover linebacker on the roster. He was exceptional at Iowa against the pass, using his length and size to take away passing lanes. 

There's also Derrick Barnes, who has had an up-and-down start to his career. During his first two seasons, he's logged 10 starts, among 32 career games. 

He's shown plenty of flashes, such as a 12-tackle game in Detroit's 15-9 win over Green Bay at home. However, the production has never been consistent enough for him to carve out a consistent role. 

On the outside, it will be a competition between James Houston and Julian Okwara for the starting role. 

Houston was a breakout star last season, notching eight sacks in just seven games as a rookie. Okwara has been steady, but is another player who's struggled to assert himself amongst Detroit's crowded group of EDGE rushers. 

Roster bubble

Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman and Trevor Nowaske are the team's only three other linebackers currently on roster. 

Reeves-Maybin was an offseason addition who returns after a season with the Houston Texans. Pittman returns after making the roster and contributing on special teams last season, and Nowaske is an undrafted free agent from Saginaw Valley State. 

Each of the three will compete for a spot, with special teams likely being the deciding factor. Both Reeves-Maybin and Pittman have familiarity with Campbell and the coaching staff. 

Each could wind up making it if their abilities on special teams are too good to leave off.