By Moses Joshua 
Rising Young Lions Talent Gains Major Buzz Before Pivotal 2025 Season
Jack Campbell’s Rapid Ascent Could Reshape Detroit’s Defense for Years to Come
From Depth Piece to Defensive Cornerstone
The Detroit Lions have been no strangers to adversity, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Yet, amid the storm of injuries that plagued the 2024 season, one young linebacker quietly — and confidently — began to shine. Now, as the 2025 campaign approaches, that glimmer has turned into a bright spotlight.
Jack Campbell, a former first-round pick in 2023, emerged as a key presence in the Lions’ lineup last season. With veteran Alex Anzalone sidelined for a stretch, Campbell stepped into a starting role and delivered performances that have analysts and fans alike taking serious notice. In a year where Detroit clinched a stunning 15-2 record and secured the NFC’s top playoff seed, Campbell’s growth may have been one of the team’s most valuable developments.
Making a Statement with Every Snap
In a recent evaluation of potential breakout stars, PFF analyst Dalton Wasserman didn’t hesitate to single out Campbell as the linebacker who might soon be at the top of the league. “The Lions’ defense dealt with a wave of injuries to several key players in 2024,” Wasserman noted, “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.”
That grade, impressive on its own, becomes even more telling with context. According to Wasserman, if two subpar outings against Houston and Buffalo are removed, Campbell’s grade skyrockets to 86.9 — good enough to have landed him among the top four linebackers league-wide.
“Even with those performances included,” Wasserman added, “Campbell was one of just three linebackers to rank inside the top 15 in both run defense and coverage grade.” That dual-threat capability is a rare commodity in today’s NFL.
Numbers Tell the Story, But the Future Holds the Plot
Statistically, Campbell’s 2024 season marked a substantial leap. He notched 131 total tackles, five passes defended, and a forced fumble — all new personal bests. Just as importantly, he proved he could stay healthy and consistent throughout the grind of a full season, starting all 17 games.
As Anzalone inches closer to free agency in 2026, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. At 30, the veteran remains a key voice in the locker room, but the Lions will soon need a new defensive leader both in play and in presence. Campbell, having studied under Anzalone’s wing, is widely expected to step into that role.
If the third-year linebacker can continue on this trajectory, it won’t just be a personal breakthrough — it could be a franchise-altering shift for Detroit. The presence of a high-performing linebacker eases the burden on others in the unit like Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez and allows the Lions more flexibility in future roster decisions.
Draft Day Doubts, Quietly Silenced
When Detroit selected Campbell with the No. 18 overall pick in 2023, critics questioned the value. But two years later, those doubts are fading fast. With every snap, Campbell is proving that his ceiling is far higher than initially assumed — and he may be only getting started.
As the 2025 season looms, Jack Campbell isn’t just preparing for another year — he’s positioning himself to become the heartbeat of a defense ready to take the final leap. And if the early signs hold true, the Lions might have found themselves a star in the making at just the right time.