Jack Campbell's Role Increasing in Lions' Defense

The Detroit Lions view Jack Campbell as a key piece to their future success.

Drafted No. 18 overall in the 2023 draft, the Iowa product was largely expected to be an instant starter next to veteran Alex Anzalone. That hasn't entirely been the case through five games, as Derrick Barnes has had a strong start to the campaign.

Still, Campbell is contributing. He's played 46 percent of the team's defensive snaps throughout the year, with the most recent win over Carolina seeing him play 45 percent. Additionally, he's contributed on special teams.

The speed of the NFL game is tough to adjust to for young players, and Campbell has been no different at times. He's taken his lumps, as he's currently Pro Football Focus' third-lowest graded Lions defender with an overall mark of 46.3.

He was beaten on a play-action route by Tommy Tremble for a short touchdown in Sunday's game. However, his coach believes that it will be a learning experience, and reiterated that he continues to grow in his first season.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell hinted that more game reps could be coming his way as the season moves along. The defense has experimented with him playing the SAM position, which is different than the on-ball spot Detroit drafted him to play.

"I think Jack's about to get a little bit more. I think, with that, more opportunities is gonna be more growth for him. He has quiet production, and I mean that in a good way," Campbell said. "Every week, he just gets a little bit better. Now, we're playing him in base, we weren't able to play a lot of base the other day but he's playing the SAM for us now, a role that wasn't entirely what we envisioned for him when we got him. But, it's hard to keep him off the field when you feel like he can set an edge, he can rush a little bit, he's smart, he can cover. But, yet, he's still a stack backer for us. I think his reps are gonna go up a little bit here, so his growth will come with more opportunities. He's right where he needs to be right now. We're really pleased with him."

Dorsey, Paschal close to returning

Both Khalil Dorsey and Josh Paschal are close to returning from injured reserve, Dan Campbell said Monday.

Each player has played only in Detroit's season debut, going on injured reserve shortly after. Paschal suffered a knee injury in the days leading up to Week 2, while Dorsey's setback was reported as an illness.

Both players will be valuable in their returns. Dorsey offers cornerback depth after Emmanuel Moseley suffered a torn ACL. Paschal, meanwhile, had a strong debut, and will be a strong addition to Detroit's stable of pass rushers.

"They're both close," Campbell explained. "If I was gonna pick one, it'd be Dorsey before Paschal. But, Paschal is close, too."