Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is demanding significantly more from MIKE linebacker Jack Campbell in his second season.

Campbell had a strong rookie season, recording 89 tackles (49 solo), five tackles for loss and two sacks. His 89 tackles were the second most of any NFL rookies in 2023.

One area he needed to improve in was in coverage, which is not unusual for a young linebacker. Running backs and tight ends are a slightly different level of athlete in this league. Campbell completed 25 of 31 passes last year for 289 yards (11.9 average) and two touchdowns. Opponents had a passer rating of 128.2 when throwing to him last season.

“I’ll tell you, his ability to drop in coverage has improved tremendously, and that’s one thing we’re going to ask him to do,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said of Campbell on Wednesday. “His ability to keep up with guys has improved tremendously, and that’s going to help us be a better defense. So he’s chopping wood every day and getting better and better at those skills.”

Campbell made his coordinator look like a clairvoyant when he intercepted a pass from Goff during a team phase on Wednesday and returned it for a touchdown.

“I’m just doing my job, honestly,” Campbell said of the game after practice. “It’s just one of those things where you can’t put any pressure on yourself. You just have to go out there and do your job on every single snap and then the plays will follow.”

Campbell said it’s true that the game slowed down for him in year two, and that comes with experience and film study. The Lions expect Campbell to make a big jump and be a really productive player for them this year.