Tim Twentyman

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes made it a point this offseason to improve the depth on defense with additions along the defensive line, secondary and linebacker room. The latter is one of the deeper position groups currently on the roster heading into the offseason training program later this month, but as injuries piled up on defense for the Lions last year, no position group was spared.

Second-year MIKE linebackerJack Campbellheld down the fort at linebacker while the team dealt with injuries toDerrick Barnes(14 games missed),Malcolm Rodriguez(11 games missed),Alex Anzalone(7 games missed) and Jalen Reeves-Maybin (7 games missed).

With Anzalone entering the last year of his contract, there could be room to add a young, versatile linebacker on a rookie-controlled contract for the next four years.

Linebacker class draft strength:Depth. There are some big names in the class, but more than anything, it's a deep class that features a lot of experience and production. The Lions could be looking for players who are assignment sound and can play multiple roles at the linebacker position with former NFL LB Kelvin Sheppard taking over as defensive coordinator this season.

Lions linebacker depth chart:Campbell, Anzalone, Barnes, Rodriguez,Grant Stuard, Trevor Nowaske, Anthony Pittman, Ezekiel Turner, Mitchell Agude, Abraham Beauplan, DaRon Gilbert

Lions linebacker draft priority:Moderate. Detroit returns all three starters at the WILL (Anzalone), MIKE (Campbell) and SAM (Barnes) with Stuard and Rodriguez offering depth with starting experience. Depth will be challenged over the course of a season, and players like Anzalone and Rodriguez are entering the final year of their contracts.

Five linebackers who could fit the Lions:

1. Jalon Walker, Georgia

6-1, 243. Did not run 40-yard dash

This would probably require Holmes moving up in the first round as Walker is widely considered the best linebacker prospect in the class. The Butkus Award winner as the top linebacker in the country led Georgia with 10.5 tackles for loss and also tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks. He could be a hybrid player with the potential to play all three linebacker spots for a creative defensive scheme.

2.Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

6-3, 235. 4.52 40-yard dash

One of my favorite prospects in the entire draft, Campbell has rare traits, versatility and a ton of production. He registered 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks last season. Like Walker, Campbell seems like a player who can play a lot of different roles including helping with the pass rush.

3. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA

6-2 1/2, 242. Did not run 40-yard dash

He didn't run the 40 at the Combine or his pro day but notched a 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad jump, which shows off some of his explosive traits. He recorded 136 total tackles (90 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and a couple interceptions. He's solid in coverage and he understands football and where to be. When he meets the ball carrier, he almost always makes the play.

4. Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina

6-2, 235. 4.58 40-yard dash

Knight, 25, is an older prospect who played six seasons of college football at Georgia Tech, Charlotte and South Carolina. He's logged a lot of football (61 career games) and plays like someone who's seen that many reps. He recorded 178 tackles with four interceptions over the last two seasons at Charlotte and South Carolina.

5. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

6-3, 233. 4.52 40-yard dash

Getting off blocks and racking up tackles is job No. 1 of an interior linebacker and Stutsman does those two things as well as any linebacker in the class. He had three straight seasons with over 100 tackles for the Sooners. He's got size, speed and processes football at a high level to make as many plays as he does.