Jack Campbell

Pos: LB

School: Iowa

Ht. 6’5″ 

Wt. 249

Games Watched: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State(2021)

One Liner: Instinctive linebacker who wins with strength, football IQ and reaction speed in the run game

Strengths: 

  • Elite football IQ. Campbell possesses NFL ready smarts and awareness and understands blocking schemes. He rarely misfires when attacking A and B gaps and understands how to take on wide stretch plays going to the outside.
  • Very good strength. Campbell brings some real pop and shock when attacking inside gaps against zone schemes. Campbell generates pushback when facing a zone blocker moving up to the next level with his chiseled upper body frame which he uses to counter once engaged.
  • Very good read and react player in the run game. Combining his football IQ with some explosiveness in his legs, Campbell attacks the ball carrier with tenacity and strength and is able to make a play on the football, regardless of blocking scheme and where the carrier is on the hashes.
  • Very good tackler. Campbell is a reliable tackler at the next level and demonstrates proper technique when throwing his body into contact. 
  • Good coverage technique. Campbell is a sound technician in coverage and will be able to find a way to win in zone with his eye discipline and football IQ. He demonstrates good awareness to stick in hook/buzz zones at the next level to man tight ends at the next level. 

Weaknesses:

  • Marginal change of direction. While Campbell’s combine numbers told a different story, he looked stiff in man situations and certain zone schemes where he would have to flip his hips. 
  • Adequate athleticism. Again, Campbell’s RAS score is much higher than what can be seen on film. He lacks the necessary short area burst or jolt that you’d like to see from a modern day MIKE. 

Overall Assessment: Jack Campbell is a protoypical MIKE LB, who possesses great NFL instincts and smarts, and thus is an adept run stopping linebacker. Depending on if we see the game film version of Campbell’s athleticism or the combine version, Campbell could be a high level player versus an adequate linebacker who will be limited in coverage and places where his athletic ability is tested. As of right now, Campbell will be a reliable, high floor low ceiling prospect that will give teams immediate help in the running game.

Scheme Fit: Run stopping MIKE LB in even fronts where there will be other coverage linebackers. 

Pick Projection: Mid 2nd

Grade: 6.33