The Detroit Lions, under the steadfast leadership of General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell, have meticulously built a formidable roster, transforming themselves from NFL punching bags into legitimate Super Bowl contenders.1 Their philosophy, centered on grit, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of “our kind of guys,” has resonated deeply. As they continue to refine their squad for sustained success, a crucial area of focus remains the linebacker corps, particularly with the looming contract situation of veteran Alex Anzalone. In a move that speaks volumes about their vision for the future, the Lions are reportedly eyeing a new breed of linebacker, one who garnered 117 tackles in his collegiate career and, strikingly, is being compared to the gold standard of modern off-ball linebackers: Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers.
This comparison isn’t just hyperbole; it signifies a potential shift in how the Lions envision their defensive leadership and athleticism at the second level. Alex Anzalone, while a beloved and integral part of the “Lion” culture as a defensive captain and play-caller, is entering the final year of his contract in 2025 and notably missed voluntary workouts, hinting at a desire for a new deal.2 At 30 years old by the start of the 2025 season, the team likely faces a decision on whether to offer a long-term extension or look to a younger, more athletic long-term solution. While Anzalone’s leadership and understanding of the scheme are invaluable, the NFL is a league that constantly demands evolution and an injection of youth and high-end athleticism, especially at a position as crucial as middle linebacker.
The name generating this Fred Warner comparison is C.J. Allen, a linebacker from the University of Georgia.3 According to reports from Pro Football and Sports Network’s Brentley Weissman, and corroborated by ESPN’s Matt Miller, Allen is a “rising star” who has impressed scouts and even a general manager from an NFC team. This particular general manager reportedly likened Allen’s instincts, toughness, and ability to get into gaps against the run to both Fred Warner and Lavonte David, with a further note that Allen might even be a better pass-rusher.
Fred Warner is arguably the prototype for the modern NFL off-ball linebacker. He’s not merely a “thumper” against the run or a coverage specialist; he’s a true three-down, do-it-all defender who excels in every facet of the game.
- Elite Coverage Ability: Warner’s most defining trait is his exceptional ability in pass coverage. He possesses the speed and instincts to cover tight ends, running backs, and even slot receivers, often running stride-for-stride with them downfield. He understands route concepts, reads the quarterback’s eyes, and has the athleticism to break up passes or even intercept them. In today’s pass-happy NFL, a linebacker who can consistently defend the pass is invaluable.
- Instincts and Football IQ: Warner is renowned for his football IQ and instincts. He anticipates plays, diagnoses runs quickly, and flows to the ball carrier with remarkable precision. He’s often lauded as a “quarterback of the defense,” orchestrating calls and ensuring his teammates are in the right positions.
- Tackling Proficiency: While known for coverage, Warner is also an elite tackler. He takes excellent angles, wraps up ball carriers, and rarely misses tackles in open space. His ability to finish plays is a cornerstone of his effectiveness.
- Blitzing and Pass Rush: While not primarily a pass-rusher, Warner can be an effective blitzer, leveraging his speed and timing to disrupt the pocket and occasionally get sacks. The comparison suggesting C.J. Allen might be an even better pass-rusher is particularly intriguing, indicating a potential for a higher sack/pressure ceiling from the linebacker spot.
- Leadership: Warner is a vocal leader for the 49ers defense, communicating effectively and setting the tone with his intensity and effort.4
C.J. Allen’s collegiate production of 117 tackles (over 28 contests, suggesting a full season as a starter in 2024 contributing significantly to that total) along with a sack and an interception, highlights his nose for the ball. The key attributes mentioned in the scouting reports aligning him with Warner’s skillset are:
- Physical Temperament and “See Ball, Get Ball” Player: This speaks to his aggressive, downhill play style. He’s not hesitant to attack gaps and make plays in the backfield. This fits perfectly with Dan Campbell’s philosophy of gritty, hard-nosed football.
- Play Strength, Instincts, and Speed: These are critical traits for a modern NFL linebacker. Strength allows him to shed blocks and hold his ground, instincts enable quick reactions, and speed is essential for sideline-to-sideline coverage and pursuing ball carriers.
- “Downhill Attacker”: This phrase emphasizes his ability to read and react quickly against the run, bursting through gaps to disrupt plays before they develop.
- Coverage Potential: While not explicitly detailed, the comparison to Warner and David implicitly suggests strong coverage skills, which would be essential for a three-down role in the Lions’ scheme under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard (who was promoted from linebackers coach, suggesting a continued emphasis on strong linebacker play).
Currently, the Lions’ linebacker corps features Jack Campbell, a first-round pick from 2023 who took on significant responsibility in his rookie season, Derrick Barnes, and Alex Anzalone.5
- Alex Anzalone: As mentioned, Anzalone is a veteran leader and the defensive play-caller. He’s been a critical piece in the Lions’ turnaround. In 2024, he recorded 63 combined tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 sack, and 5 pass deflections in 10 games (according to StatMuse, though some sources indicate he missed time with a broken forearm, impacting his full season stats). His absence from voluntary workouts indicates a potential contract dispute as he enters the last year of his deal without guarantees. The Lions value his experience and leadership, but given his age and the need for long-term planning, a potential replacement is a logical consideration.
- Jack Campbell: Campbell is expected to be a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense for years to come. He finished his rookie season strong and is poised for a significant jump in 2025. His athleticism and tackling ability make him a strong candidate for the MIKE (middle linebacker) role.
- Derrick Barnes: Barnes has also shown flashes of his potential, particularly as a run defender and in blitzing packages. He signed a three-year extension, securing his place as a key component of the linebacker rotation.
If C.J. Allen were to join the Lions, particularly as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (as some projections suggest for him as a “rising star”), he would likely complement Jack Campbell, potentially taking over the WILL (weakside linebacker) role currently occupied by Anzalone. This would give the Lions two highly athletic, instinctive linebackers for the future, a dynamic duo capable of making plays sideline-to-sideline and in coverage.
Drafting a linebacker like C.J. Allen, especially in the first round, signals a long-term strategic move to solidify the core of their defense. It suggests:
- Prioritizing Elite Linebacker Play: Investing a high draft pick in a linebacker of Allen’s caliber demonstrates the Lions’ commitment to having top-tier talent at the position, recognizing its importance in both run defense and modern pass-heavy schemes.
- Succession Planning: This move would be a clear succession plan for Alex Anzalone, ensuring a smooth transition when his time with the team eventually concludes.
- Defensive Versatility: A player with Allen’s rumored skillset, particularly his potential as a pass-rusher in addition to his coverage and run-stuffing abilities, would add tremendous versatility to the Lions’ defensive scheme. He could be deployed in various ways to disrupt opposing offenses.
- Continuing the “Culture Fit”: His physical temperament and “see ball, get ball” mentality align perfectly with the aggressive, relentless identity Dan Campbell has fostered.
The idea of a linebacker drawing comparisons to Fred Warner is enough to excite any fanbase, but for the Detroit Lions, it’s particularly significant. It represents a potential evolution of their already ascending defense, a long-term vision for sustained success, and a bold move to secure elite talent at a critical position. As the offseason progresses and the 2026 NFL Draft inches closer, all eyes will be on how the Lions manage Alex Anzalone’s situation and if they ultimately pull the trigger on a prospect like C.J. Allen, a player who could redefine their linebacker corps for years to come.
