The Detroit Lions have some work to do at linebacker, and the 2025 NFL Combine presents a big opportunity to scout fresh talent. Once a position of strength, injuries exposed the Lions’ lack of depth in 2024, making linebacker one of the key areas to address this offseason.
Why Linebacker Is a Priority
Last season started off strong for Detroit’s linebackers, but an early season-ending injury to Derrick Barnes sent things downhill fast. Key contributors like Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin also missed time, forcing the Lions to patch the position together with midseason pickups like Zeke Turner, David Long, Anthony Pittman, Kwon Alexander, and even Jamal Adams.
While some of those additions stepped up, the cracks were obvious, especially in losses to Buffalo and Washington. As the Lions remain in a Super Bowl window, reinforcing the linebacker corps with young, developmental talent is a must.
Top Linebacker Prospects for the Lions
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Campbell is an athletic freak—fast, physical, and relentless. The 6-foot-3, 244-pound linebacker dominated in his junior year, racking up 119 tackles, five sacks, two passes defended, and an interception. His versatility as both an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker makes him a potential game-changer. If he’s available at No. 28, Brad Holmes will have a tough decision to make.
Barrett Carter, Clemson
Carter is a disruptive force, earning All-ACC honors in back-to-back seasons. He posted 82 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and seven passes defended in 2024 while showcasing elite blitzing skills and coverage ability. His versatility to play multiple roles on defense makes him a strong candidate for Detroit’s system.
Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
Mondon thrives in run defense, using speed and athleticism to track down ball carriers. He finished his final season at Georgia with 29 solo tackles, three sacks, and three passes defended, including a standout performance in the eight-overtime thriller against Georgia Tech.
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
A true tackling machine, Schwesinger finished 2024 with 136 tackles (96 solo), four sacks, and two interceptions. He also has special teams value, having blocked a punt last season. His high energy and physicality make him an intriguing Day 2 target.
Potential Lions Fits
Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
Though he lacks size, Paul makes up for it with playmaking ability and elite speed. He’s particularly strong in man coverage, which could make him a great fit under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
A potential sleeper, Lindenberg is a smart, instinctive player with great pursuit speed. He excels in man coverage and recorded 94 tackles, six passes defended, and an interception last season.
Francisco Mauigoa, Miami
Mauigoa is a versatile linebacker who can play off the edge and is solid in run defense. He racked up 88 tackles and two sacks in 2024 and brings an aggressive, high-energy presence that would fit well in Dan Campbell’s locker room.
Jay Higgins, Iowa
A tackling machine, Higgins totaled 295 tackles over his last two seasons at Iowa. He’s excellent against the run and could carve out a role similar to Jalen Reeves-Maybin as a rotational linebacker and special teams contributor.
Bottom Line
With injuries exposing Detroit’s linebacker depth in 2024, the Lions can’t afford to ignore the position in this year’s draft. Whether they go for a big-name prospect like Campbell or target value picks on Day 2, adding young, talented linebackers will be crucial to keeping their defense strong during their championship push.
Linebacker Help Needed: Key Area for Lions to Address at NFL Combine
