Is Iowa's Jack Campbell Lions' Linebacker of Future?
Iowa's Jack Campbell is one of the best linebacker prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, and could be just the right fit for the Detroit Lions.
Arguably the linebacker with the highest floor of the entire draft class, Campbell brings tremendous physical intangibles to the table.
He stands in at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds, possessing the prototypical size to play the middle linebacker position.
Also, this past season, he showed the ability to be proficient at both stopping the run and playing against the pass. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, he earned an 85.6 grade against the run and a 92.9 mark in coverage.
During his time at Iowa, Campbell was a tackling machine. He compiled a total of 271 tackles during his final two seasons in Iowa City. During the same span of time, he also amassed 11 passes defensed, nine tackles for loss, four interceptions, and two sacks and forced fumbles each.
For his efforts in 2022, the Hawkeyes product won the Butkus Award, which is awarded to the nation's best linebacker.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
As his NFL Draft Bible profile reads, Campbell is an "expert tackler who employs precision striking and consistent fundamentals. Capable of dropping his weight and launching to win the leverage game vs. ball carriers. Hand usage and arm length permit him to navigate in traffic, remaining clean on his path to the running back. Sufficient lateral agility to side-step linemen and fill into his assigned gap. Beats the opposing guard or tackle to his spot repeatedly, using acceleration and a dip technique to stay untouched. Knows his angles, leading to minimal excess in terms of yardage."
Campbell is also known to have a high football IQ. It comes in handy for him as a middle linebacker, as it provides him with the ability to be the quarterback of the defense. Subsequently, he has a knack for understanding offensive formations and for getting his defensive counterparts lined up properly.
The above skillset is an attractive one for NFL executives, and it should be for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes, as well.
From the Lions' perspective, it also helps out that the organization will more than likely be able to wait until the second round to nab the Iowa standout.
If drafted, Campbell could patrol the middle of the Lions' defense immediately (especially if Alex Anzalone isn't re-signed), and offer the team some serious size at the position (which it doesn't have with either Derrick Barnes or Malcolm Rodriguez).
To me, this makes Campbell a perfect Day 2 target for Holmes & Co.
