Grading Lions' Pick of LB Jack Campbell at No. 18
Dan Campbell and the Lions got themselves an old-school thumper at No. 18 overall, in the form of former Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell.
The younger Campbell, standing in at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds, was an ultra productive player with the Hawkeyes. In 43 career college games, he recorded a total of 305 tackles, including 13.5 for loss. He also amassed 15 passes defensed, five interceptions, three sacks and three forced fumbles.
Additionally, he proved to be more than capable at playing against both the run and the pass. In fact, he earned an 85.6 grade against the run and a 92.9 mark in coverage from Pro Football Focus this past season.
He's also got all the making of a Dan Campbell-esque player, with an exemplary work ethic and a high football IQ.
Yet, there's also little-to-no question that Detroit's front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, reached for the Iowa product in round one.
Campbell received a late second-round grade from NFL Draft Bible. And, in several mock drafts leading up to Thursday, he wasn't being mocked to the Lions any earlier than pick No. 48. So, it certainly appears that Holmes & Co. could've waited to select the 2022 Butkus Award winner.
Heck, if Campbell truly was their guy, they likely could've traded out of the No. 18 spot, garnered additional picks throughout the rest of the draft via the trade and still drafted the ex-Hawkeyes linebacker at some point on Day 2.
At No. 18, there were several players I would've selected before Campbell. The list includes Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (who was taken by Tampa Bay with the next pick), Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (who went No. 20 to Seattle) and Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith (who was selected by Philadelphia at No. 30).
More than likely, I would've also taken TCU receiver Quentin Johnston, who was selected No. 21 by the Chargers, and Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, who went No. 29 overall to the Saints, before drafting Campbell.
Additionally, I had higher pre-draft grades for numerous players who still remain on the board going into Day 2, including Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and Alabama defensive back Brian Branch.
Now, Campbell could very well turn into a solid pro and anchor the middle of Detroit's defense for years to come; subsequently, making Holmes look like a genius for using the No. 18 pick on him.
However, I just don't see Campbell turning out to be a high-impact enough defender to warrant the selection.
Don't get me wrong: I believe he'll be a decent linebacker at the next level. But, he won't be good enough to have burned the 18th pick on him, especially with all the more highly-touted prospects that were still on the board when he was picked.
It's why I can't give this pick any higher than a "C+" grade.
