Linebacker might be the most unsettled position on the Detroit Lions depth chart from top to bottom. Entering training camp, the Lions have a group of LBs hoping to stand out from the competition with their own individual skills.
It’s a crowded field for a position that won’t have as much emphasis in the new base defense. Detroit has morphed to a 4-2-5 scheme under coordinator Aaron Glenn. Based on OTAs and minicamp, the Lions will almost never have more than two off-ball LBs on the field and will frequently have just one. That (presumably) means less roster space devoted to the position where fan angst still runs quite high.
Lions training camp position preview: Quarterback
Lions training camp position preview: Offensive line
Lions training camp position preview: Tight end
Lions training camp position preview: Wide receivers
Lions training camp position preview: Running back
Note that the players here do not primarily rush the passer. Charles Harris, Julian Okwara and rookie James Houston are not what is considered a linebacker in Detroit’s defense anymore. Both Okwara and (more so) Houston could get occasional looks as a third LB, but they are pass rushers first and foremost, not off-ball LBs.
How many LBs the Lions keep is subject to debate. Most expect five, but special teams could shoehorn a sixth into the mix.