Lions 2023 draft preview: Linebackers are low priority, might be option for later rounds

Over the next several days, leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions’ roster and evaluating how the team might address each unit. Today: Linebackers.

▶ Current roster: Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, Derrick Barnes, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman

▶ Short-term need: Four out of 10

▶ Long-term need: Six out of 10

▶ Top prospects: Trenton Simpson, Jack Campbell, Drew Sanders

▶ Day 2 options: Simpson, Campbell, Noah Sewell, Daiyan Henley

▶ Late-round considerations: Owen Pappoe, Yasir Abdullah, Ivan Pace Jr., Jeremy Banks

▶ Analysis: Outside opinions vary regarding the state of Detroit’s linebacking group, but it’s clear the team likes the talent on its roster more than just about anyone outside the building.

Anzalone is the centerpiece of the collective. The quarterback of Detroit’s defense, he struggled mightily his first season with the franchise, but made significant improvements last year, setting career-highs in tackles (125) and quarterback pressures (21), drastically reducing his missed tackle rate (21.2% to 12.5%) and playing slightly above-average coverage. It was enough that the team awarded him a three-year, $18.75 million contract after he played on back-to-back prove-it deals.

He’s complemented by youngsters Rodriguez and Barnes, as well as returning veteran Reeves-Maybin.

Rodriguez was a revelation as a rookie. Leaning on stellar instincts to combat concerns about his size, he earned a starting job and tallied 87 tackles. And despite having to take a step back at the start of last season, Barnes settled into a groove down the stretch, providing some optimism he’ll be a more consistent contributor going forward.

Maybe the one thing we can all agree on is there’s a ceiling with this group. While Anzalone, Rodriguez and Barnes can be solid any given week, you’re not likely to get a ton of playmaking in the second level, with two forced fumbles, one interception and 18 tackles for a loss among them in 2022.

But nothing points to there being an obvious playmaking upgrade in this class. Simpson is arguably the best prospect because of his impressive versatility, but that’s not enough to suggest he’s a lock to be selected in the first round. Still, between his ability to line up all over the field, his elite speed and tremendous football character, there should be plenty of interest around the league in a prospect who can serve as a chess piece in many schemes.

Campbell and Sewell are more traditionally framed linebackers, thickly built and each weighing close to 250 pounds. But that bulk hasn’t hurt either’s athleticism, with both testing extremely well at the Combine. The Lions obviously have a good idea what the Sewell family is all about, with brother Penei one of the franchise’s building blocks, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Noah considered by the team on the draft’s second day.

But if there’s one prospect who has our interest more than the others, it’s Henley. Like Rodriguez, Henley is undersized, weighing in at just 225 pounds, but the words of Chris Spielman rattle around our brain when thinking about the potential of the Washington State product.

“Does a guy make plays or doesn’t he?,” Spielman said in a recent interview with the Detroit News, talking about scouting Rodriguez. “He made plays in college, so why wouldn’t he make them in the NFL? Let’s not overthink this.”

Well, Henley made plays, both at Nevada, where he played five seasons, and Washington State last year. The past two seasons he averaged 100 tackles, intercepted five passes and recovered five fumbles. Yes, please.

In Day 3, you’re probably eyeing special teams contributors with upside. Pappoe is a two-time captain for Auburn and a good athlete, to boot. Banks, another SEC standout, also qualifies as undersized, but compensates with a solid combination of size and physicality. That would definitely play when covering kicks, as he develops into a contributor on defense.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers