Allen Park — One of the most intriguing position battles in Detroit Lions training camp is at linebacker.
With three players vying for a starting spot alongside Alex Anzalone, there’s been much ado about the pecking order behind him — especially after the breakout rookie campaign from Malcolm Rodriguez a year ago and the selection of former Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell in April. But, the reality is that it’s probably best to not get caught up in starters, at least at this position.
Third-year linebacker Derrick Barnes, Rodriguez and Campbell, each brings something completely different to the table — which bodes well for each of them carving out his own lane alongside Anzalone, in some form or another, to start the 2023 season, no matter who the “starter” ultimately is.
“I think that’s something that makes our room so unique,” Barnes said after Wednesday’s joint practice with the New York Giants. “(If) anything happens to the starters, it’s not a dropoff. Guys can go in there and make plays and keep the pace going, so that’s exciting to see.”
Anzalone has been no stranger to adaptability since signing with the Lions as a free agent in 2021. But Tuesday, he said the versatility beside him — along with the continuity of another year under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn — has allowed him to enter the most comfortable phase of his career.
“For starters, I feel like I’m playing more of my natural position of weak-side linebacker. Just for the type of athlete I am,” Anzalone said. “Then, I know there’s carryover from my time in New Orleans with (defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn), but it is different, what we’re doing. Just having that background and knowing, really understanding, what AG wants and what his defense requires, I feel like it’s the most comfortable I’ve been.”
In his rookie season, Rodriguez, the former sixth-round pick, demonstrated his ability as a heat-seeking missile in the run game from the jump, making 87 tackles with one forced fumble and one recovery. Barnes has taken a bit longer to develop his complete skill set, but the mental side of his game has started to match his speed and strength this offseason.
And Campbell, while he’s still showing growing pains as a rookie, has the potential to be the most complete linebacker in the room.
“Jack’s coming along and learning and building off what he knows and he’s trying to play catch-up as quick as he can. As far as experience, all these reps are really significant for him,” Anzalone said. “And then Derrick’s playing really fast. He’s put in the work the past few years, and it’s kind of — to me — he’s (starting) to become a complete player as far as running, coverage — so it’s definitely an interesting competition.”
Though Anzalone and Barnes are feeling more comfortable than they ever have, there certainly is nothing comfortable about their play on the field through two days of joint practices.
“He was another player yesterday I thought played fast,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. “He took it up a notch, and so I think he is right where he belongs right now, and what helps is the fact that Barnes and Jack are coming on. And so, it’s good. Barnes had a good day yesterday. He showed up.”
nbianchi@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @nolanbianchi