Detroit Lions Linebacker Grades, Projected Starters, and Cuts Ft. Jamie Collins & Derrick Barnes

The Detroit Lions linebacking corps is much different in 2021 than it was in the previous years. Christian Jones, Jarrad Davis are no longer with the team rustling is a makeover in the middle of the defense. MicroMike breaks down what the grades should be for the Lions linebackers, what players can make the roster, and if a surprise player gets cut. With so much turnover, the Lions linebackers may have some interesting training camp battles for the 2021 NFL season.

The Lions linebackers are undergoing a significant culture shift, and Derrick Barnes fits perfectly into it. Under Matt Patricia, the big run-stuffing linebackers of yesteryear were the norm, such as Christian Jones, Reggie Ragland, and Jahlani Tavai. With Aaron Glenn at the helm of the defensive coaching staff, speed looks like a priority. One of the faster linebackers in the draft, Barnes won’t look out of place in the new linebacking room. Alex Anzalone, Jamie Collins, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Anthony Pittman, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin all have good-to-great speed.
The impact of the linebacker position has decreased in recent years, but the Lions are doing well to secure a highly-regarded prospect. With few players guaranteed to be on the roster in 2022, Barnes provides depth this year and a promising talent for the years after. Given the injury concerns of Anzalone, he could see action early on. Unless the team wants to give Reeves-Maybin an extended look on defense, Barnes is likely the third linebacker on the team.
The one name I’ve left out of the speed linebacker discussion is Jahlani Tavai. The writing was already on the wall for Tavai, barely being discussed by the coaching staff. Coupled with their actions this offseason, he seems like a poor fit in a speed-orientated scheme. Barnes is a solid run defender, and that was Tavai’s lone strength. Unless he can show some improvement in year three, Tavai could be a cut come September.
Source:

John Whiticar, Pride Of Detroit
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/5/1/22414260/2021-nfl-draft-how-derrick-barnes-impacts-detroit-lions-roster

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