Packers starting linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, who began his NFL career with the Falcons in 2016, has made a major impact on the field. Fresh off a career year with Green Bay in 2021, Campbell signed a five-year, $50 million deal. He joined the Packers from the Cardinals on a one-year deal before the start of the 2021 season.
Campbell, one of the league's best sideline-to-sideline defenders, has helped transform the Green Bay defense. He was named a First-Team All-Pro last season, and his teammates have noticed.
"To watch him [Campbell] continue to expand that role as a leader - and really the leader of the defense - has been great to see, and along with that, you're seeing him raise up and give a voice to the Rashan Garys and the Kenny Clarks," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said recently.
The Packers have had good linebackers since 2005, Rodgers' rookie season. Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk and Blake Martinez come to mind.
But it seems as if Campbell is another level. He was the NFL's only defensive player last season to record 140+ tackles, at least five tackles for loss, at least five quarterback hits, at least five pressures, at least five passes defensed, multiple sacks and multiple forced fumbles.
Expect Campbell to guide talented rookie linebacker Quay Walker and third-year linebacker Krys Barnes.
The Packers have finished top 10 in total defense each of the past two seasons and appear to have an elite defense again.
"[We] might be the most talented defense that I've been on, period," veteran safety Andre Amos said, per the Associated Press.
He was part of the 2018 Chicago Bears team that led the NFL in scoring defense, so he certainly knows a good defense when he sees one.
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