The Lions return one of the best MIKE linebackers in the NFL in All-Pro Jack Campbell, who was third in tackles (166), first in run stops (44), second in forced fumbles (3) and second in sacks (5.0) among NFL linebackers last season.
SAM linebacker Derrick Barnes is a good fit in Detroit's scheme and a productive player with 78 tackles and 4.0 sacks last season.
Detroit will enter the 2026 season with a new starter at the WILL linebacker spot after veteran Alex Anzalone signed with Tampa Bay in free agency. Veteran Malcolm Rodriguez was re-signed this offseason and could fill the role. The team also signed versatile veteran Damone Clark in free agency to potentially compete for a role there.
Adding a young linebacker in the draft who can run, cover and compete for that WILL job and play special teams could certainly be in the cards for the Lions at some point in this year's draft.
View photos of the top linebacker prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Georgia inside linebacker CJ Allen (3) defends during the first half of an NCAA football game against Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Georgia linebacker CJ Allen (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday (11) during an NCAA collage football game on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday (10) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against San Jose State in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. runs a position drill in the school's NFL football pro day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis (9) runs on the field during the first half of an NCAA football game against Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis (16) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) defends during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (21) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (25) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter (40) celebrates after stopping a Kansas run on fourth down late in the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter (26) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Linebacker class draft strength: Versatility. The linebackers really lit up the NFL Scouting Combine with their testing and athletic traits. There's speed, power and ability to play multiple roles in a defense within this group. There's high-end talent at the top and depth that should push potential impact players well into Day 2.
Lions linebacker depth chart: Campbell, Barnes, Rodriguez, Clark, Trevor Nowaske.
Lions linebacker draft priority: Moderate. The Lions are a little thin at the position. In terms of experience and games played, they have good depth among the five veterans currently on the roster.
Detroit has always viewed Rodriguez as a starter, and it will be interesting to see how he slots into the WILL spot in the spring and training camp. Overall the Lions could stand to add more speed to the unit and players who can cover and be sub-package impact players.
Five linebackers who could fit the Lions:
1. Sonny Styles, Ohio State
6-5, 244. 4.46 seconds 40-yard dash (1.56 10-yard split)
Styles is tall, long, fast and explosive. He's got all the tools teams are looking for at linebacker in today's matchup-based game. He started as a safety before moving to linebacker and can make an immediate impact at a lot of different spots on the field.
2. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
6-1, 231. 4.57 seconds 40-yard dash (1.59 10-yard split)
The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year had elite production on way to also winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defender), Lombardi Award (nation's top lineman), Bednarik Award (nation's top defender) and Butkus Award (nation's top LB). He recorded 128 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, six passes defended, four interceptions and seven forced fumbles last season.
View photos of some of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft at their Pro Days.
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey attends the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr., left, does a football workout during the school's NFL pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. works out during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) talks with reporters during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Wide receiver Germie Bernard catches a pass in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston runs the ball during Washington's NFL football Pro Day Monday, March 16, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse (15) runs drills during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse (15) runs the 40 yard dash for during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) goes through workouts during their NFL football pro day, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) goes through workouts during their NFL football pro day, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano participates in drills during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano, center, participates in drills during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Keldric Faulk runs drills during the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Keldric Faulk runs drills during the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling works out during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling works out during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. runs a position drill in the school's NFL football pro day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. runs a position drill in the school's NFL football pro day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter runs a position drill during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter watches a position drill during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor runs during a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon runs with the ball during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon runs during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love speaks with media during the school's NFL Pro Day in South Bend, Ind., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, right, works out during the school's NFL football pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa completes a football drill during the school's NFL fpo day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald participates in a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald participates in a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren takes part in the school's NFL football pro day Monday, March 23, 2026, at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren catches a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Monday, March 23, 2026, at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to throw a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to throw a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor works out during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor waits to work out during the school's NFL football pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive lineman TJ Parker works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson's TJ Parker works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price runs a drill runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day in South Bend, Ind., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs through drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese participates in a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez attends the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) talks to the press at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) participates in a position drill at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Miami corner back Keionte Scott runs the 40 yard dash during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Quarterback Ty Simpson throws in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Quarterback Ty Simpson throws in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate makes a catch during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson watches teammates during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods runs a 10-yard split during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C.. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Missouri defensive end Zion Young runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
3. CJ Allen, Georgia
6-0, 230. Did not run 40-yard dash
Allen earned a starting role as a freshman, which isn't easy to do on defense at Georgia, due to his natural instincts and above-average speed. He led Georgia in tackles (88), tackles for loss (8.0) and forced fumbles (2) last season. He always seems to be around the football.
4. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
6-2, 238. 4.51 seconds 40-yard dash (1.58 10-yard split)
Hill is long, fast and rangy with three-down starter potential at a WILL or MIKE linebacker role. His greatest assets are speed and athleticism which could make him a versatile player with the ability to also play in space and cover in sub-package downs.
5. Jake Golday, Cincinnati
6-4, 239. 4.62 seconds 40-yard dash (1.6 10-yard split)
Golday is tall and rangy, which allowed Cincinnati to play him in space. He's a former defensive end turned linebacker who attacks the ball, can be an effective blitzer and can cover. He could start his career in the SAM role on defense and be an immediate impact player on special teams.
