Lions only topped by Super Bowl champions in latest linebacker rankings

You're measured by the company that you keep, and that is certainly the case for the Detroit Lions' linebacker room.

According to PFF, Detroit's linebacker unit consisting of Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and eventually Malcolm Rodriguez, can become one of the most formidable units in the entire league - only rivaled by the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles' linebacker room.

Per Dalton Wasserman, once Rodriguez returns after suffering a torn ACL in the waning days of the Lions' regular season in 2024, they should be able to pack the strongest punch in the NFL with their linebackers.

"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," wrote Wasserman while ranking the Lions' linebackers second-overall.

He added, "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."

Campbell hitting another high will be key to Lions' defense this year

Campbell continues to draw major buzz from outlets as he's seen as a potential star defender for the Lions in 2025 and beyond. The Lions' first round pick from 2023 has been projected to be a potential All-Pro if the cards all fall correctly for him, which they should considering he's expected to take on a significant role for the room with so many injuries.

The third year linebacker will of course get some help from Anzalone, who should be healthy by the time training camp rolls around after fracturing his forearm. While Rodriguez is still rehabbing, the Lions also have a solid player in Derrick Barnes waiting in the wings to help back up Anzalone and Campbell headed into 2025.

To be able to rival a linebacker room like that of the Eagles, which essentially sealed the rout that took place during the Super Bowl last season, is a big deal for the Lions' defense. PFF clearly sees Super Bowl-level potential for Detroit's defense, and specifically for a linebacker room that isn't even 100% ready to go for the 2025 season.