Reaction to Lions Picking Jack Campbell

Detroit Grabs Iowa Linebacker in NFL Draft 1st Round

Iowa's Quinn Schulte (30) and Jack Campbell (31) tackle Wisconsin's Braelon Allen on Nov. 12, 2022 visiting Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

Jack Campbell figured to get an early call in the NFL draft.

The Iowa linebacker went a lot earlier than expected, going to the Detroit Lions in the first round with the 18th overall pick.

Scott Dochterman of The Athletic gave the Campbell selection a grade of B, saying, “If the Lions’ first pick was puzzling because of value and need, this one also could be considered a reach. But when it comes to culture and what coach Dan Campbell wants for his team, it all makes sense. … His quickness is underrated, and he’s a fierce hitter. He won the William V. Campbell Trophy as college football’s top academic football player and the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. If a team wants a culture changer or enhancer, Campbell will become a team captain by year two.”

Vinny Iyer of the Sporting News gave the selection a grade of B+, saying, “Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes fill another immediate sneaky need here for a dominant second-level playmaker to upgrade from Alex Anzalone. He’s a very athletic well-rounded playmaker, but it’s a tad questionable for them to take him over Trenton Simpson and Drew Sanders given their higher overall upside.

Sports Illustrated gave the selection a grade of B-, saying, “The Lions turned back the clock by using their two first-round picks on an inside linebacker and a running back. Campbell was the first off-ball linebacker drafted. He has the size, athleticism and solid instincts to develop into a top playmaker in the middle of the Lions’ defense. Campbell had more than 128 total tackles the past two seasons at Iowa.

ESPN’s Eric Woodyard said of the pick, “The question is whether he should have been selected this high. But he certainly addresses a major need on the roster. Campbell rushed the passer on only 14% of snaps and struggled in coverage, allowing 13 completions on 17 attempts when he was targeted in 2022.

ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote, “Campbell has fantastic size, range and tackling ability in the middle of the defense and will step right into the middle linebacker position in the team's 4-3 defense. He is tough to throw over or around and is an active, aggressive tackler with a fantastic short-area burst. Campbell's the new anchor of Detroit's defense.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks said, “Campbell is an old-school thumper with the instincts, range and diagnostic skills to play downhill and from sideline to sideline. With outstanding size, the productive 'backer will serve as a traffic cop in the middle of the defense for Detroit and has the potential to make a ton of plays.”