Jack Campbell – Linebacker – 22 years old – Senior – Iowa
Height: 1m96
Weight: 110 kg
2022 stats: 125 tackles including 5.5 for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 covered fumble
Estimated draft position: 2nd round
NFL Comparison: Brian Urlacher
The position of interior linebacker has lost its luster, but it remains essential to have a general in the middle of the defense. The Chiefs showed again during the last Super Bowl that having a talented linebacking body is a necessity. Jack Campbell is the “modern” version of the 2000s, an atypical and intriguing profile.
Strong points
– Complete Player
– Athletic ability
–Leadership
– Progress
Winner of the Campbell Trophy (the aptly named), which rewards a talented player on the field and in studies, Campbell is a leader capable of leading a defense. With a high football IQ, he understands and anticipates faster than others. This is what is asked of the man who is in the middle of the field.
Athletically, Campbell is a phenomenon. With a score of 9.98 out of 10, he stands at the level of players such as TJ Watt. Explosive and powerful, he can contribute on all three attempts in various roles. He has the physique to face a linebacker eye to eye, which is becoming rare these days.
The other encouraging aspect remains the progression of the player. Limited in coverage at the start of his career, he has taken a step forward each year to add strings to his bow. What is its ceiling? Nobody knows.
Weak points
– Speed
– Pass Rush
If Campbell is athletic, he is not fast. It’s not necessarily a big deal at this position, but in a faster-than-ever NFL it will impact his value in the draft, as it was the case for Nick Bolton for example. If he compensates for this deficit in academics, it is always more complicated in the NFL.
One aspect of the game in which Campbell has little impact is the pass rush. This is, again, not a primary need, but bringing pressure from the inside remains an interesting possibility in hybrid schemes. Campbell is a specialist, not a hybrid player.
Possible destinations
Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers
If it is always difficult to anticipate what the defensive plans of the teams will be at the beginning of the season, the need for linebacker is strong in a large part of the league. The Lions have choices and a need to strengthen this squad, like the Eagles or the Chargers. It will not pass the second round and it is even possible that a team rushes on it at the end of the first round.
