Packers De’Vondre Campbell Named All-Pro w/ Impressive Season

The inside linebacker position is one that the Green Bay Packers have not invested in heavily over the years—whether that be early-round draft picks or spending top-dollar in free agency. And that didn’t change this year either; Green Bay just happened to hit the salary cap lottery with De’Vondre Campbell.

Campbell was signed in early June — well past the beginning of free agency — to a one-year $2 million deal. At the time, I’m guessing this was a move that flew under the radar of many, but it’s a move that ended up being the best value signing in football.

Despite being on his third team in three seasons, Campbell has been a difference-maker and true game-changer in this Packers defense. He has now capped off his impressive 2021 campaign with being named a first-team All-Pro.

According to PFF ($$), Campbell was their second-highest graded off-ball linebacker this season, finishing behind only Micah Parsons. Campbell also finished sixth among linebackers in solo tackles; he had the fewest missed tackles with only four, his 53 stops — or plays that constitute a loss for the offense — were tied for the fourth-most, and the 6.8 yards per catch he gave up was the second-fewest.

Basically, pick a defensive category among linebackers, and you’re likely to see Campbell’s name at the top of the list.

As Campbell told reporters earlier this season, he always knew he could play at this level, but Joe Barry’s defense was the first time he was afforded the opportunity to be “the man” within a system, and he’s been thriving in that role.

"When I got the playbook, I was like, this is a lot different than what I’m used to. My role is a lot different,” Campbell said via Packers.com. “I’m actually having the opportunity to be ‘the man.’“That’s something that I always knew I could do. I just always played within the scheme that I was in.”"

Campbell has proven that he is a true 3-down linebacker in this league, able to limit the passing game, affect the run game, and be utilized as a blitzer as well. While Green Bay was playing some very vanilla defensive schemes in Detroit this past week, it was clear that they also greatly missed Campbell in the middle of the defense with many of Detroit’s pass-catchers tallying yards after the catch as well as Jared Goff finding quite a bit of success between the hash-marks.

"“The thing you love about him is his approach and his attitude. Very steady guy, very consistent guy,” said Rodgers of Campbell via Packers.com. “As he’s made plays, that allows you the opportunity to have a greater leadership responsibility and more opportunities to speak up. I think guys have appreciated the way he’s responded.”"

Campbell’s impact on this defense and the team, in general, cannot be overstated. What a terrific season he has put together, but also, what a free agent find by Brian Gutekunst.