The Detroit Lions have expressed their love for linebackers, as evident from their recent moves. They spent a first-round pick on Jack Campbell in 2023, handed an extension to Derrick Barnes, and added Grant Stuard during free agency this offseason. Despite having a full roster of linebackers, the team might still consider drafting another linebacker in the upcoming draft.
Currently, the Lions have eight linebackers under contract, with seven players nearing the end of their deals. Detroit may re-sign Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez, but Jack Campbell’s extension could potentially lead to those players leaving as well. If they don’t, the Lions might miss out on two top-four linebackers in the 2026 season.
The draft class for linebackers is considered mediocre, with four potential fits for the Lions: Jihaad Campbell, Demetrius Knight Jr., Carson Schwesinger, and Chris Paul Jr. Campbell, a former pass rusher turned linebacker, could be an ideal fit for the SAM linebacker position, making him interchangeable with Derrick Barnes.
The Lions’ depth chart is filled with young, special teams-capable linebackers, which might make it difficult to crack the lineup unless they’re drafted early. However, if Detroit finds an even younger option on a cost-controlled deal, they might prioritize that choice over a veteran at the bottom of the depth chart.
Notable Day 3 players include Kobe King, Cody Lindenberg, and Ruben Hyppolite II. While adding a Day 3 linebacker might not make sense due to the team’s current logjam, it’s possible that Detroit would prefer an even younger option on a four-year deal.
Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/4/20/24412068/2025-detroit-lions-draft-preview-adding-long-term-linebacker