By Blessing 
Lions’ Linebackers Earning Elite Status — Just Behind the Super Bowl Champs
They say you’re known by the company you keep — and in the case of the Detroit Lions’ linebackers, that’s turning out to be a very good thing.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Lions boast one of the most promising linebacker groups in the entire NFL. The trio of Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Malcolm Rodriguez is turning heads, with only the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles ranked ahead of them.
Analyst Dalton Wasserman sees Detroit’s linebacker corps as a real force. Once Rodriguez returns from the torn ACL he suffered late in the 2024 season, the group could become the most dangerous in the league.
“Former 18th-overall pick Jack Campbell has begun to emerge as one of the NFL’s best linebackers. His 78.7 PFF overall grade in 2024 ranked 10th, and he was one of just five qualifiers who earned at least a 74.0 PFF grade in run defense and coverage,” Wasserman explained, while ranking the Lions’ unit second overall.
He also pointed out the strength of the group beyond Campbell.
“Alex Anzalone missed a handful of games last season but ranked just behind Campbell with a solid 72.1 PFF coverage grade. Malcolm Rodriguez posted an 87.1 PFF run-defense grade, seventh best in the NFL, but will likely miss at least half of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL suffered last November. When healthy, this is one of the best linebacker trios in the NFL,” Wasserman added.
The key to unlocking Detroit’s full defensive potential this year might rest on Campbell’s shoulders. The 2023 first-rounder is gaining momentum as a breakout star. Many believe he could reach All-Pro status if he keeps trending upward — and with the Lions needing a defensive anchor, the opportunity is there.
Thankfully, Campbell won’t be alone. Anzalone is expected to be ready for training camp after recovering from a forearm fracture. And while Rodriguez continues his rehab, Derrick Barnes is available to provide quality depth and stability at the position.
Being compared to the Eagles’ linebacker unit — one that helped crush opponents during the last Super Bowl — is no small compliment. For Detroit, it shows just how far their defense has come and how high the expectations are.
Even with one of their key players still sidelined, PFF believes this linebacker group has Super Bowl-level potential. And if everyone gets healthy at the right time, Detroit could be looking at one of the most feared defensive trios in the league.