Concerning linebacker trend poised to continue with Detroit Lions
"Don't draft off-ball linebackers in the first round" isn't a rallying cry for nerds in the NFL draft just because they don't like the position. There is truth behind the belief that the position lacks value when compared to the other options that are available so early, and a recent string of decisions by teams […]
"Don't draft off-ball linebackers in the first round" isn't a rallying cry for nerds in the NFL draft just because they don't like the position.
There is truth behind the belief that the position lacks value when compared to the other options that are available so early, and a recent string of decisions by teams across the league could show the future for Jack Campbell and the Detroit Lions.
The linebacker position has been declining in value for a while now. Teams still need decent play from the position to keep their defense in a replaceable spot, but players that fit this bill are becoming more and more available in later rounds.
There is a growing trend surrounding the position that should already be a major red flag for the Lions. First-round linebackers tend to be good, much like every other position in the first round. That much isn't an issue. However, first-round linebackers want to get large contracts, and that is where the Lions are setting themselves up for a difficult decision down the road.
Teams are showing very little interest in spending money at the position in recent years. First-round picks are either not living up to the standard to get paid beyond their rookie deal (Devin Bush, Isaiah Simmons, Kenneth Murray, Zaven Collins, Jamin Davis) or you have guys like Devin White and Roquan Smith that complicate the financial situation for the club beyond their value of play.
This means that Jack Campbell stands to fall into one of two groups based on his draft status and his position: a lack of production relative to where he was selected or a financial liability for the Lions.
It is hard to say which is worse between an over-paid linebacker or an underperforming one, although most successful teams don't have over-paid LBs, for what it is worth.
This might be a bit of a pessimistic way of looking at a pick that should help in the first round, but Jack Campbell is going to have to be an absolute beast to subvert most of the recent analysis regarding his position and the first round of the NFL Draft.
