Barnes, Anzalone Texted Kelvin Sheppard After Campbell Drafted

NFL players want to know where they stand when a team invests in a young player.

The Detroit Lions' roster knew the defense improved with the selection of Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jack Campbell, in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Players constantly want clarity regarding their role on a team, especially when a young player is going to be brought in.

Linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard expressed to reporters at OTAs that the players on the Lions' roster respect the clarity the coaching staff and front office provide, even if it means unpleasant news regarding their spot on the depth chart or playing time. 

Sheppard expressed that both Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone texted him with excitement regarding Campbell joining the team, but also asked what his selection meant to them. 

"The guys want to know the lay of the land, and they know they can reach out to me for that honest answer," Sheppard explained. "I told them it was an opportunity that we saw, and the front office saw, to get better on the roster. Now, what that means? You all will decide that, as far as the landscape of our room. But, these guys have taken Jack in like he's been here since we all got here in '21. They are competing, and it's going to be an open competition coming up in training camp."

Sheppard also noted that just because Campbell was selected early in the draft, it does not guarantee he is the starter against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Barnes has looked like a player that could be formidable to overtake on the depth chart, especially if he showcases his improvements at training camp. 

"I'm telling you right now, he's not going away quietly," Sheppard said. "That is a player I've seen walk in this building, since we started up Phase II, and look like a completely different player."