If there was one spot where the Detroit Lions have quietly had some uncertainty this offseason, it was at linebacker. Even though Jack Campbell is now the rock of the group, Alex Anzalone's departure left a void in terms of veteran leadership and production.
It took the Lions a bit longer than expected to address that need, but in adding Devin White, the franchise added a strong presence capable of not only leadership, but playmaking as well. After just a few days of camp, White already looks ready to step in and make a difference.
An unfortunate injury to scorching hot rookie Jimmy Rolder last week opened the door, and White doesn't plan on letting it close. After joining the Lions, he has spent time getting his conditioning going, but is keeping his eye on the bigger picture which involves helping in any way possible.
"The goal is to be the best version of myself. I don't think about anything. The more you think, the more you forget all the small things that you've got to control. Being on time, learning the playbook, making sure I'm in the best shape of my life and being the best teammate ever. They control the depth chart. Whenever they tell me to go in, I run out there fast as I can so they won't put somebody else in. I feel like if I keep doing that and stay humble, my role will increase and I'll get better within the defense and I'll be able to help these guys make plays."
After getting his feet wet on the field, White feels encouraged about where things are at for him. He doesn't believe he is finished making a big impact on a defense, and wants to find a way to make more plays in Detroit after the Lions gave him this major chance.
"We went live and I made two tackles (Tuesday). It felt really good. I made a lot of tackles last year, but I'm still hungry to make more. I'm really excited about that, and I'm really thankful. God gave me this opportunity. It's a great opportunity, and I don't want to let it pass me by."
As time goes by, White could be expected to get even more comfortable with the defense as well as his role. That could help him make a big impact for the Lions given his NFL solid experience and ability to be a trusted veteran contributor for a winning team.
Dan Campbell encouraged about White's potential impact on Lions
Even though White feels as if he is hitting the ground running very quickly, the Lions are still going to take their time easing him into the defense and the game plan. Campbell already understands that he is a good fit in Detroit, and wants to make sure that he is in the best place to make a big impact as consistently as possible this season.
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"Will linebacker is something that suits him very well, his body type, the type of linebacker he's been and our system, too. The system suits him. I thought (Monday) there was a couple of 'wow' plays in there. One he just came downhill and that's what we expect. He can still run. You can see that. We just get his weight down a little bit and make sure that we continue to work him into practice. Be smart with him and then see where he can go with it."
The Lions will make sure White has the tools to succeed first and foremost, and by doing this, they will give him the best chance at sticking it out and making an impact this season. Given his prior success, this could prove to be an intriguing development.
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