Caleb

Campbell

The No. 218 pick overall last year, Campbell’s NFL dreams were dashed last July when the U.S. Army forced him to serve his military service time. He isn’t eligible for the NFL until 2010, but we’re guessing he won’t pursue it. The Army does have a policy allowing soldiers to pursue Olympic training.

Just the chance that this rule could be reversed might totally derail Army grad Caleb Campbell’s bid to make the Lions. It would be a sad story for Caleb Campbell, Detroit’s seventh-round pick that was attempting to convert from safety to linebacker.

It is unclear if Campbell will keep his signing bonus; he signed a three year deal on Tuesday. The Army originally said Campbell could serve out his military obligations in Michigan if he made the team. He won’t be eligible for the NFL until 2010. Campbell was the first former Army Black Knight drafted since the Packers made QB Ronnie McAda Mr. Irrelevant in 1997.

If no other team drafts Campbell, he’ll become a “free agent.” Campbell will be serving in the military in 2010, and can return to the league after that.

Campbell was a run-stopping safety in college, but his best chance at making the team is to be a standout on special teams.

Campbell worked out with the Lions Tuesday at outside linebacker, running unofficial 4.49 and 4.50 forty times in drills. He was in Lions training camp in 2008 before the Army ordered him to report for duty. Campbell is still awaiting word from the Department of Defense on his NFL eligibility for 2010.

Campbell, who’s completed his two years of duty for the Army, anticipates signing a contract with the Lions “very, very soon.” The 25-year-old is obviously going to be rusty, and will have to learn to play outside linebacker in Detroit. Campbell (6'2/224) played strong safety in college.

Campbell, 25, served the last two years for the U.S. Army in Oklahoma. Being a “holdover” from the Rod Marinelli regime won’t help his cause, but he’s fallen into a decent situation. Campbell will play weak-side linebacker, which is a position of weakness in Detroit with Zack Follett slated to start.

The Lions are banged up at linebacker, with Isaiah Ekejiuba (knee) listed as questionable and DeAndre Levy (groin) and Bobby Carpenter (toe) listed as probable. All three were limited in practice this week.

Campbell didn’t produce enough on special teams to solidify a spot, but the team will re-sign him to the practice squad, assuming he does clear waivers.