Campbell’s size, speed and physicality are a perfect fit in Sheppard’s defense, but what isn’t always talked about is Campbell’s preparation. He’s a student of the game and one of the hardest workers on and off the field.
Sheppard trusts him completely with the green dot to handle all communication and Campbell has earned the freedom to change calls at the line of scrimmage based on what he’s seeing from the offense.
Veteran WILL linebacker Alex Anzalone signed with Tampa Bay in free agency, so the Lions will be looking for another starter in that group next to Campbell. Detroit returns starting SAM linebacker Derrick Barnes. Sheppard has always considered veteran Malcolm Rodriguez a fourth starter. Rodriguez has 25 starts over four seasons and re-signed with Detroit as a free agent this offseason for a chance to replace Anzalone at the WILL.