The Detroit Lions make their second first-round selection by picking Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell with the 18th overall pick.
Even though the Lions did not have many glaring holes surrounding the franchise after what some might call a stellar free-agent season, it was nearly impossible to predict what the Lions would do in the draft. Instead, the Lions pulled another fast one by selecting Campbell to bring some necessary depth to the Lions linebacker corps.
The Lions re-signed Alex Anzalone this year after a solid campaign and the emergence of last year’s sixth-round selection Malcolm Rodriguez; with former fifth-round selection Derrick Barnes, the Lions are creating a strong corps in the middle of the defense after the selection of Campbell. The depth after Anzalone, Rodriguez, and Barnes turn barren, making the selection not unexpected, just earlier than what most would’ve thought.
Campbell has football in his blood lining up as a varsity starter in high school his sophomore year, which led to him setting the school record for tackles (168) his senior season catapulting his team to the state championship as a team captain while earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. He also was the leading rebounder on his school’s basketball team while competing in track.
Campbell continued his captain honors while attending Iowa, receiving that honor in the 2021 season and held onto it his senior season. In addition, he earned the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker while obtaining Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the William V. Campbell Trophy (academic Heisman). So it is very easy to see why the Lions gravitated toward a player like Campbell.
Campbell processes a frame similar to the Chris Speilman days that enjoys going downhill and bringing the hammer down to any opposing offenses. With that physicality, he is able to navigate through the mess and make the plays at the line of scrimmage. He also processes superb coverage ability, an area the Lions have had some trouble with in the past. If there was any player that screamed Dan Campbell, don’t look any further than the Iowa linebacker.
Campbell is a strong athlete; he does a slow get-off to react to the ball carrier and doesn’t have enough speed to close the distance. Fortunately for Campbell, he is smart and intuitive, allowing him to make the necessary plays with his athleticism and intangibles.
The Lions linebacker corps looks to have their starters, but don’t put it past them to give Campbell the opportunity to earn a starting spot similar to Rodriguez last year. He is driven and fueled with passion for the game, bringing his preparation to the next level, and he will outwork anyone. The Lions’ montage is “GRIT,” and Campbell is swimming with it, making him a perfect fit for the Lions and Aaron Glenn’s defense.
If you didn’t know any better, you were sitting in a scene of Draft Day watching Kevin Costner making picks that many might seem questionable picks for a running back and a linebacker. Apparently, Brad Holmes wanted to live it out himself and told everyone I am going to take my guys, and I don’t care what anyone thinks.
Grade: B-
