Athletic Profile
Height: 6045
Weight: 249
Arm Length: 31 7/8”
40 Time: 4.65
Vertical: 37 1/2”
Broad Jump: 1008
Shuttle: 4.24
Relative Athletic Score: 9.98
* Indicates Recorded At Pro Day
Statistics
2022: 15 PR - 83 TKL (8.9 MIS%) - 51 STOP - 1 PBU - 2 INT - 70.2 NFL
2021: 14 PR - 95 TKL (9.2 MIS%) - 3 PBU - 2 INT - 85.3 NFL
Snap Count
DL: 62
BOX: 1,766
SLOT: 191
Pros
Tackling
Short Area Quickness
Block Deconstruction
Strength @ POA
Zone Coverage
Cons
Flexibility
Man Coverage
Length
Long Speed
Summary
Jack Campbell was a lightly recruited linebacker that chose to stay in his home state of Iowa. Campbell didn’t see starting action until 2021 as is the Iowa programs custom but when he did he was sensational. A multi year captain and All-Big 10 selection he racked up over 200 career tackles in college.
Campbell is built like an old school style linebacker at 6’ 5” 250 but he is more than just a thumper. He tested out of the building at the Combine showing his size comes with agility and explosion. As a run defender he is strong versus gap and zone schemes. Campbell displays the size and power to meet lead blockers in the hole. He does an excellent job of popping and shedding blockers. His plus lateral agility allows him to slide around larger lineman at the second level. Campbell does have below average length and struggles to disengage from bigger lineman at times. Campbell’s length also limits his tackling ability. He is a sound tackler that brings power behind his pads when he is able to square ball carriers up but too often is a grab and drag player in space. He also displays the burst and instincts to be an impact defender versus zone schemes. Campbell doesn’t have the best long speed but an efficient first step and strong angles allow him to make splash plays on horizontal runs. Campbell is an A+ effort player in run defense as well, rarely giving up on plays and constantly hustling to the ball carrier.
Campbell’s third down impact largely comes from his ability in zone coverage. An experienced player he has excellent instincts in space and does a fantastic job dropping to landmarks. His communication skills and lateral agility allow him to routinely disrupt throwing lanes. Campbell’s man coverage ability is a little farther behind. Lack of fluidity in space and below average length means he struggles in man coverage. The same lack of flexibility hurts his ability to be an impact pass rusher. Although his burst and instincts give him the ability to convert the occasional blitz.
Campbell is built like an early 2000’s linebacker but he has more than enough athleticism to thrive in today’s game. His ability as a run defender and zone coverage defender makes him a strong candidate for LB1 in this class. Campbell projects as a true MIKE backer in the NFL with his strong run defense and leadership skills. He will never be the most electric player on a defense but it's hard to imagine him not being the staple of a defense's spine for a long time.
Grade: 6.38 - Mid to Late Second (Potential Starter)
Games Watched: Penn State (2021), Ohio State (2022), Michigan (2022)