The Detroit Lions are confident that Trevor Nowaske can handle the difficult role of SAM LB

All offseason we heard how the Detroit Lions were hyping Derrick Barnes as he entered his fourth year. He was a surprising contributor in 2023 and played well enough to split time with first-round pick Jack Campbell. But entering 2024, the Lions had found a very specific role for Barnes – the SAM linebacker position – for which he was uniquely qualified. The tough spot required pass-rushing chops and the athleticism necessary to get into coverage while also having the physicality to come out on top in the run game.

When Barnes went down with a season-ending injury in Week 3, it was devastating for Detroit. It wasn't clear the Lions had anyone to replace Barnes, and we saw the Lions try a replacement approach by committee the following week.

It turns out that the Lions may have a suitable Barnes replacement, and he was someone who hasn't even started the year with the team yet. Last season, the Lions loved what undrafted rookie Trevor Nowaske did for the team, but when they had to make difficult roster decisions for their playoff push late in the year, they had to cut him and he was claimed off waivers before they could one had the chance to include him in the training group. This year, they were given the opportunity to make a waiver claim for Nowaske just before the start of the regular season, and he's already becoming a key part of their work.

Nowaske made his first appearance the week after Barnes' injury. It was only eight snaps, but he converted those chances into three pressures and a PFF grade of 90.0. Understandably, he saw a huge increase in his playing time the following week, recording 29 defensive snaps and recording his first-ever sack. This dynamic continued last week. While his playing time dropped to 14 snaps (likely due to opponent-specific strategy), he again made a big impact, including making the game-winning sack on the Vikings' Hail Mary attempt.

“Mentally he can handle anything. I mean, multiple spots, a whole nine,” linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard said. “He’s been like this since his rookie training camp. That's a big reason why not only myself, AG (Aaron Glenn), Dan (Campbell), but also the front office were all very interested in getting him back. As soon as we could, we went out and did it.”

As defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is wont to do, he tried to slow Nowaske down. It's definitely worth noting that not only is this Nowaske's first NFL assignment on defense, but he's also from Saginaw Valley State, which represents a significant drop in talent level.

“We're going to continue to try to strengthen his role and help him be the player we know he can be, but again, we want to make sure we take this slowly,” Glenn said.

But Nowaske doesn't just get help and support from his trainers. Despite the season-ending injury, Barnes has continued to stop by the facility to help Nowaske learn the role that Barnes has mastered.

“He comes to meetings, he’s there a lot. He talks to the boys,” Sheppard said. “He has a direct influence on Trevor Nowaske. He texts before and after the game, so he’s with us every step of the way.”

Another challenge Nowaske faces is the adjustment the offense will have to make now that he has three NFL games under his belt. It's one thing to make a splash when there's no film about you. According to Sheppard, the challenge is how Nowaske plays, as he is now no longer a secret to opposing attacks.

“He’s introduced himself to the world and the NFL now,” Sheppard said. “So it won’t be a surprise, Trevor, when it’s your turn. You'll be strapped in, they'll be ready to play with you. And that's okay. That's all good. It's the NFL. He will be ready to play this game.”

That being said, it certainly seems like Nowaske will need to retain the important SAM role. The Lions cross-train their entire linebacking staff so that each player can play any position if needed. But when asked this week whether Jack Campbell might be ready for more SAM linebacker snaps this season after only getting a taste of it last year, Sheppard said it will be difficult to wrest that role from Nowaske.

“If Trevor Nowaske continues to play the way he has, the only way Jack can get out is if Trevor makes a mistake on me. And that player has ice water in his veins, so I doubt Trevor does that.”