What Drafting Jack Campbell Means for LB Malcolm Rodriguez
The Detroit Lions' selection of Jack Campbell likely means reduced playing time for second-year linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez.
Head coach Dan Campbell recently expressed he believes Detroit's No. 18 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has the potential to be a starter when the team takes the field against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Campbell is aware of the high expectations levied upon him, but is not allowing any added pressure to impact his preparation for the 2023 season.
"I’m going to do everything I can to put this team in the best position to win games, whatever it is," Campbell told reporters at rookie minicamp. "Right now, a lot of people have high expectations, that’s all good. I’m going to stick to what I know, who I am and come out here every day and give it my all.’’
Veteran Alex Anzalone will again don the green dot, as he played the majority of defensive snaps in 2022.
After a career season, Anzalone inked a new three-year contract, indicating he will be tasked again with leading Detroit's linebacking corps.
In Detroit's base defensive scheme, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn likes to field two off-ball linebackers.
Rodriguez played just over half of the team's defensive snaps in his rookie campaign.
Derrick Barnes also factors in the team's plans this season, as he looks to compete for additional playing time in his third NFL campaign.
As a result, Rodriguez is likely to play less than 50 percent of the defensive snaps in 2023, as he works in a rotation with Campbell and Barnes.
