One of the reasons the Detroit Lions have been successful these last few years is in part due to their star-studded roster. Last year, the Lions had the second-most players selected to the Pro Bowl, with seven players attending the event, and had six players named to the All-Pro team. Despite not being as dominant as they were last year, the Lions’ star core remains some of the best players at their position and will likely be named to the Pro Bowl once again.
This time, however, they’ll likely be joined by three of their Lions teammates who are poised to earn their first Pro Bowl selection. These three have made strong cases for selection, with each having had a career year.
1. Jack Campbell, LB
Jack Campbell is a no-brainer selection for the Pro Bowl. Campbell has taken a huge leap in his production this season and has been one of the best players on a top-10 defense. Through 10 games, Campbell ranks tied for fourth in total tackles (97) in the NFL, is tied with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson for the most tackles for loss on the team (7), and has recorded four sacks while forcing two fumbles.
Campbell has been stellar against the run this season and is a major reason for the team’s success in that area, as the Lions currently rank eighth in rushing yards allowed (99.7). His 88.4 Pro Football Focus grade ranks third out of 81 linebackers, whereas his 92.7 run grade ranks first. Not only has Campbell been an elite run-defender, but he’s also been great in coverage, allowing just 31 receptions on 41 targets and only 7.1 yards per reception.
He’s stepped up huge for the Lions’ defense that has been decimated by injuries this season and has been critical to their success.
2. Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s success this season has been surprising. Before this season, Muhammad was viewed as a quality depth edge rusher. This season, he has taken a leap in his production and played a huge part in the Lions’ pass rush success, which ranks sixth in sacks (31) and is tied for ninth in pressure percentage (23.4%). Muhammad has already matched his career-high for sacks in a season with six, and has recorded 16 total tackles and four tackles for loss
His 74.2 pass rush grade ranks 28th out of 117 edge rushers, whereas his pass rush productivity ranks tied for 18th (10.5). The Lions have longed for a threat on the edge alongside Hutchison, and they’ve finally found that with Muhammad. Although Muhammad could be better against the run, his production as a pass rusher alone should be enough to give him a Pro Bowl nod, considering the NFC’s lack of pass rush production at the position.
3. Alex Anzalone, LB
Alex Anzalone is quietly having another impressive season. He continues to be the Lions' Swiss Army Knife and a leader of one of the best defenses in the league. Through 10 games, Anzalone recorded 57 total tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one interception. Anzalone has been one of the best linebackers in coverage this season, allowing 24 receptions on 36 targets, and just 6.3 yards per reception.
His 74.2 coverage grade ranks 10th out of 81 linebackers, and his three forced incompletions are tied eighth among linebackers. While the Lions' more popular defenders get praise and a constant spotlight, Anzalone has remained a consistent contributor and plays a major role in their success.
For years, Anzalone has been a tackling machine and has been a factor against both the run and pass. While he isn’t one of the best linebackers in the league, his consistent high-level production, combined with his importance to the Lions, deserves a Pro Bowl nod.