The Detroit Lions love linebacker perhaps more than any other team in the NFL. They spent a first-round pick on one in 2023 (Jack Campbell), they just handed another an extension (Derrick Barnes), and despite having a bunch of special teams players on the roster already, they added another one during free agency this offseason (Grant Stuard).
So while the room seems quite full right now, I am absolutely not counting out the Lions drafting another linebacker against this year.
Previous Lions draft previews:
- Quarterbacks
- Running backs
- Wide receivers
- Tight ends
- Offensive tackles
- Guards/centers
- Defensive tackle
2025 Detroit Lions draft preview: Linebacker
Under contract: Derrick Barnes (under contract through 2027), Jack Campbell, (2026*), Alex Anzalone (2025), Grant Stuard (2025), Malcolm Rodriguez (2025), Ezekiel Turner (2025), Anthony Pittman (2025), Abraham Beauplan (2025), DaRon Gilbert (2025)
*Lions could activate Campbell’s fifth-year option next year, which would extend his contract through the 2027 season
Short-term need: 0/10
Long-term need: 6/10
You could argue the Lions have too many linebackers for the 2025 season.