The Green Bay Packers like what they see early on in veteran linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who signed with the team in June and is already taking the majority of the No. 1 reps during training camp.
“De’Vondre has been lights out. He’s done a great job,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “I think he’s done a really nice job of picking up what we’re asking him to do at a quick rate.”
Campbell, a 70-game starter in the NFL, has been lined up next to Krys Barnes on the starting defense to start camp.
It could be a mirage. Remember, LaFleur and the Packers talked up veteran linebacker Christian Kirksey for much of last summer, and he ended up being a bust during his one and only season in Green Bay. But LaFleur likes the combination of instincts and athleticism that Campbell can bring to the table.
“You can see the instincts that he has, and he’s very, very fluid,” LaFleur said. “There’s been a couple of instances in practice in terms of his ability, whether it’s been as a blitzer or in coverage, he’s a very, very good athlete.”
At the very least, Campbell will provide an experienced player at a need position who is almost always available (hasn’t missed a game since rookie season in 2016) and typically piles up tackles (90 or more tackles in four straight seasons).
“I think he’s a really good football player and I think he’s really going to help our defense,” LaFleur said.
Brandon Carwile of Packers Wire broke down Campbell’s game in greater detail here.
There’s a lot to like, especially on the size and athleticism scales. He’s big at 6-4 and 232 pounds, with great length and terrific speed. Add in the experience and he could be an asset right away in Green Bay.
But there’s also a reason he signed a cheap deal with the Packers late in the offseason after playing for two different teams the last two seasons. This will be his third team in three years. Inconsistency against both the pass and run has plagued his first five seasons.
However, Campbell could still be an important piece as the Packers attempt to take the next step as a defense. There’s certainly no lack of talent around him. Maybe Joe Barry can help Campbell unlock his physical gifts and become a more impactful player in his first season with the Packers.