As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions, a team on the rise in the NFC, have a crucial opportunity to strengthen their roster and continue their rebuilding process under head coach Dan Campbell. One area where the Lions may look to bolster their roster is at linebacker, a position that has seen inconsistency over the past few years. The Lions have made significant strides in recent seasons, and adding talent to their defense could help elevate them into legitimate playoff contenders. With a solid offense already in place, improving their defensive depth, particularly at linebacker, could be the key to taking the next step.
In this year’s draft, the linebacker class is loaded with talent, with several prospects that could make an immediate impact on an NFL team. Here are five linebackers that could pique the Lions’ interest, each offering a unique set of skills and traits that could help fill the needs on Detroit’s defense.
Jalen Walker – Georgia
Jalen Walker, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker from the University of Georgia, is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bulldogs’ defense has been one of the most dominant in recent years, and Walker has been a key part of that success. While not as well-known as some of his teammates, Walker’s versatility and intelligence make him a standout option for any team looking to improve their linebacker corps.
What makes Walker so appealing to the Lions is his ability to play both inside and outside linebacker, giving defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn plenty of flexibility. Walker’s vision and awareness allow him to read plays quickly, and he excels in coverage, making him an ideal candidate to cover tight ends, running backs, and even some wide receivers. His coverage skills will be vital in the NFL, where passing offenses continue to evolve, and having a linebacker who can match up with skill position players is a huge asset.
Additionally, Walker is a physical player who doesn’t shy away from contact. He plays with an aggressive mindset and is capable of setting the tone on defense. While he still has some room for development in terms of pass-rushing ability, his potential as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker in coverage and run defense makes him an appealing option for the Lions.
Trenton Simpson – Clemson
Trenton Simpson is another name that stands out in the linebacker class. The Clemson product has been a standout player in college football and has the physical tools to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. Simpson is known for his exceptional athleticism and speed, which allows him to cover a lot of ground quickly. At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, he has the ideal size for a modern NFL linebacker, combining strength with agility.
What makes Simpson particularly enticing for the Lions is his ability to play in both run defense and coverage. He excels at diagnosing plays and reacting quickly, and his speed allows him to be an effective sideline-to-sideline defender. Simpson is also a capable pass rusher, which adds another dimension to his game. The Lions could use his ability to blitz from different spots on the field, which would help create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Simpson’s versatility and athleticism make him a perfect fit for a defense that is looking to upgrade at linebacker while also continuing to build an aggressive and fast defense. His ability to play in coverage, against the run, and as a pass rusher make him a unique and well-rounded prospect who could be a game-changer for the Lions.
Jack Campbell – Iowa
Jack Campbell, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound linebacker out of Iowa, is an absolute force in the middle of the field. He brings an ideal combination of size, strength, and intelligence to the linebacker position, making him one of the most well-rounded prospects in this draft class. Campbell’s background in Iowa’s pro-style defense has prepared him to step into the NFL and contribute right away.
Campbell’s most notable trait is his ability to read plays and make quick decisions. He has a keen sense for locating the ball, whether it’s in the air or on the ground, and he doesn’t hesitate to make tackles. He’s an excellent run defender who excels at taking on blockers and maintaining his gap integrity, which is crucial in today’s NFL, where teams often rely on a strong running game. His size and strength make him a tough matchup for opposing blockers and ball carriers alike.
In addition to his run defense, Campbell has the skills to contribute in coverage, especially in short-to-intermediate zones. His physicality and size make him a difficult player for tight ends to shake off, and he has the ability to track running backs out of the backfield. While he may not have the same top-end speed as some of the more agile linebackers in this draft, his football IQ and physicality more than make up for it.
For the Lions, Campbell could be an excellent addition to their linebacker room. He’s the type of player who can be a leader on defense, and his experience and intelligence would allow him to step into the NFL immediately and contribute in a variety of ways.
Noah Sewell – Oregon
Noah Sewell, the younger brother of Detroit Lions offensive lineman Penei Sewell, is another linebacker who could be of interest to the Lions. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, Sewell is a physical and hard-hitting linebacker who excels in run defense. He’s known for his sideline-to-sideline range and his ability to take on blockers with ease. While he’s more of a traditional linebacker, Sewell’s skills have been honed over his time at Oregon, and he has the potential to develop into a key player at the next level.
One of Sewell’s most impressive traits is his ability to take on blockers in the running game. He has a great feel for finding the ball carrier and isn’t afraid to take on blockers head-on. His physicality makes him a force against the run, and he has the power to shed blockers and make plays in the backfield. Sewell’s ability to read plays and react quickly makes him an asset on early downs, especially in run-heavy situations.
In coverage, Sewell has shown the ability to handle tight ends and running backs in short-to-intermediate routes. While he may not have the elite speed to cover wide receivers in the open field, he’s an effective player in zone coverage, especially when asked to cover shorter routes. His versatility in the run game and in coverage makes him a solid fit for a team like the Lions, who are looking to build a defense that can handle a variety of offensive schemes.
Bobby Wagner – UCLA
Bobby Wagner, a standout linebacker from UCLA, is one of the most dynamic prospects in this draft class. At 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, Wagner has the size and strength to thrive at the NFL level, and his football IQ is second to none. Wagner’s awareness and leadership on the field are what make him so appealing to teams looking for a linebacker who can anchor their defense and direct traffic.
Wagner is particularly known for his ability to defend in the passing game. He’s a natural in coverage, with the ability to cover tight ends, running backs, and even some wide receivers. His experience in coverage, combined with his ball skills, makes him a solid option for the Lions, who are looking to improve their defense in the passing game. He’s also a capable tackler, with the ability to break down plays in the open field.
What separates Wagner from many of his peers is his leadership and his ability to read offenses. He has a knack for making key plays in critical situations, whether it’s an interception, a sack, or a tackle for loss. His intelligence and ability to adjust to different offensive schemes will make him an asset to the Lions, who need a linebacker who can contribute in all phases of the game.