Derrick Barnes, a linebacker with the Detroit Lions, is not afraid of a challenge. Following his selection in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Barnes has had to make his way through a path that may seem intimidating to other players. Although Barnes started the season ranked close to the bottom of his position, his recent performances indicate a significant change, highlighting his increasing impact within the team’s defensive lineup.
Derrick Barnes had a challenging learning curve in his rookie season of 2021; according to Pro Football Focus measurements, he was ranked 92nd out of 94 eligible linebackers. Even so, he finished outside the top 50 in his position the following season, demonstrating that his perseverance and dedication had paid off. With Jack Campbell selected by the Lions in 2023 as further competition, this background created the conditions for an even more competitive situation.
It appeared that Barnes’ actions strengthened his resolve rather than weakening it. In 2023, his unrelenting quest for development was apparent. In addition to starting 13 games, which was a career high, he also finished with a personal best of 81 total tackles, five of which were for loss, 19 quarterback pressures overall, and 14 hurries. His performance during the thrilling Lions run to the NFC Championship Game—which included a game-winning interception against the Tampa Bay Bucs—further cemented his position as an important component of Detroit’s defensive scheme.
Reflecting on his journey, Derrick Barnes shared insights into his mindset and preparation.
On the second day of the required minicamp, Barnes told reporters, “It was a long journey for me, overcame a lot of things.”And now that I’m in my fourth year, it seems absurd. I’m known as a vet by some. Some claim that I’m still rather young. No, it’s just my attitude toward the game, my mentality, my game intelligence, and my understanding of what players are doing on the field—all of which I worked hard to develop the previous year. I can really not concentrate on the playbook and instead concentrate on technique and how to make plays when we run a comparable defense, and that’s what I’m basically coming out here and being able to do these days. That’s primarily my current area of attention.
There will be a fierce internal rivalry as Barnes and Campbell battle for the MIKE linebacker position as the 2024 season draws near. Nevertheless, Barnes has cemented his place as a key member of the Lions’ linebacking corps with such an impressive display of talent and perseverance. Barnes and his teammates are conscious of the targets on their backs even with their incredible success the previous year. Barnes stated, “The mindset is still about achieving more.” “We think we should have won the Super Bowl, and we still aim to do better every quarter of every game,” the statement reads.
Barnes’ transformation from a struggling rookie to an NFL star is evidence of not only his skill set but also of his resilience and strategic development. Barnes’ journey is both an inspiration and a glaring indication of his vital role in the Lions’ future aspirations as the new season approaches.