Film Review: Jack Campbell Is a Natural

Why Iowa LB Jack Campbell will be successful for Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions added a big piece to their defense in the first round of the NFL Draft. 

Jack Campbell, the No. 18 overall pick, has unique size for his position. Additionally, he's a sound tackler who plays with emotion and toughness. 

A MIKE linebacker at Iowa, Campbell could be in play to contribute in multiple roles. Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard hinted at hopes for versatility with the rookie. 

"It’s not like, in today’s football it’s, mostly nickel with two linebackers out there," Sheppard said. "You have to be able to operate at both spots, change the motion and things like that. So, in my opinion, we wouldn’t have taken that player there if we didn’t feel that way. It’s definitely some versatility there. How much, I don’t like to speak on it until I see him on this level against this caliber of players. But, he’s a guy that we could align in multiple places, yes.”

Physicality

Likely the biggest reason the Lions were first attracted to Campbell is his toughness. He's strong physically, and has a fearless mindset. 

He has no problem engaging and promptly disengaging blockers. When linemen got to the second level of Iowa's defense, they were met with a pop and release by Campbell. 

The linebacker is willing to go through a blocker to get to the ball-carrier. He's not afraid of contact, and takes good angles to the ball, even if it means going through a blocker. 

Instincts

Campbell is a reliable tackler who has no trouble finishing plays. He wasn't always the first one to the runner, but he had a knack for making his presence felt. 

He posted superb tackling numbers throughout his college career, recording 299 total tackles over four seasons. Last season, he missed just 8.9 percent of his attempts, according to Pro Football Focus. 

His intangibles and instincts are major assets to his game. He pursues and attacks like a veteran, carefully measuring his steps while moving at a relentless pace. 

He packs a punch as a tackler. Rather than trying to pry the ball free, he simply makes the right play. With excellent technique, there shouldn't be any drop-off in this aspect of his game as he enters the pros. 

Coverage ability

Standing 6-foot-4.5, Campbell has rare size for the linebacker position. He uses this to his advantage, reaching up to tip passes and disrupt passing lanes. 

The rookie has good footwork in coverage. He's able to get to his drop zone quickly against the pass. As an inside linebacker, he was primarily responsible for holding down the middle of the field. 

Lions are really making some decisions tonight! Jack Campbell certainly fills a need at LB and brings major instincts as a run defender + fluidity and length in coverage but wow! He’s a natural Mike: pic.twitter.com/YWP5ARS6Pp

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) April 28, 2023

The Lions have been notoriously poor at this position against opposing passers. Tight ends have given them trouble, and often times, the middle of the field was a target for opponents. 

Campbell can help fix that problem. 

Playmaking

His athleticism is a game-changing quality. Among linebackers drafted from 1987-2023, Campbell's relative athletic score of 9.98 ranked sixth among 2,652 linebackers measured in that span. 

Jack Campbell was drafted with pick 18 of round 1 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.98 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 6 out of 2652 LB from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/sWzO6iHaPc pic.twitter.com/TJbkuiqoP7

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 28, 2023

Though he didn't run great at the NFL combine, his other performances were superb. The rookie was explosive, which shows up on tape. 

In each of his last two seasons, he scored defensive touchdowns. Two seasons ago, he returned a fumble for a score. In 2022, he picked off two passes. 

One of those interceptions came against C.J. Stroud, the Ohio State signal-caller who was picked second overall. 

Bend and burst

Part of what makes Campbell so successful is his ability to burst through gaps. He has good body control, and operates methodically. 

His knack for finding the ball is aided by his ability to efficiently pursue. Tackling is his strong suit, but it's his ability to bend around blockers that allows him to get in good positions. 

Operating as a MIKE linebacker, he had little trouble getting to outsize zone runs. His technique and body control made it easy for him to navigate the line of scrimmage and track runners. 

Overall, he plays with the control of a veteran. He's athletic enough to make an impact in a number of ways, but doesn't stray far from his inside roots. 

The Lions want a player who can be a mainstay for their defense in the future. If Campbell puts it all together, he will be the anchor throughout his career.