The Lions made Jack Campbell
the first inside linebacker to come off the board in last year’s draft. The No. 18 pick did not
, however, enter his rookie season with a starting defensive role in hand. 
Veteran Alex Anzalone enjoyed a career year in 2023, racking up 129 tackles and three sacks. Derrick Barnes , meanwhile, saw time at inside linebacker but also on the outside. Campbell had a notable role in the group with a 59% defensive snap share, but a larger workload should be coming his way in 2024.
The 23-year-old is expected to take on a Day 1 starting spot this season, as noted by team reporter Tim Twentyman . Campbell wound up making 12 starts in the regular season (along with two more during the Lions’ run to the NFC title game), but a full-time spot alongside Anzalone would represent an uptick in usage. He amassed 95 tackles and a pair of sacks as a rookie, although his play in pass coverage leaves plenty of room for improvement.
Campbell allowed a completion on 25 of 31 targets last season, surrendering a passer rating of 128.2 and a pair of touchdowns as the nearest defender. Developing in that regard would allow the Iowa product to earn further trust from Detroit’s coaching staff. The likes of Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Malcolm Rodriguez are also still in the fold for Detroit, though, and they could take on third-down responsibilities in Campbell’s place if need be.
Twentyman also notes Barnes saw reps at both inside and outside linebacker this spring, meaning he could continue to be used in a variety of ways moving forward. The 2021 fourth-rounder saw time in a rotational capacity during his first two seasons, but in 2023 he logged a 68% snap share. Barnes translated that into 81 tackles and eight pressures, and Campbell settling into an every-down role on the inside could allow him to further expand his versatility.
The Lions ranked second against the run last season, and with considerable continuity in the linebacking core a repeat of that showing should be expected in 2024. Campbell and Barnes are each positioned to play a notable role in that effort, and their showings during training camp will be worth watching closely.