As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions are positioning themselves to add a key piece to their defense, with Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell emerging as a potential target. While not as high-profile as some of the other top linebackers in this year’s draft class, Campbell is quickly gaining recognition for his exceptional play and could be an impactful sleeper pick for the Lions.
A Rising Star in College Football
Jack Campbell’s journey to draft consideration hasn’t been typical of many blue-chip prospects. A quiet but steady presence in the Iowa defense, Campbell’s leadership and consistency have often been overshadowed by flashier names in college football. However, the 6’5″, 246-pound linebacker has quietly turned heads with his ability to make plays all over the field.
At Iowa, Campbell has been a focal point of the Hawkeyes’ defense, known for his high football IQ, excellent coverage skills, and strong tackling ability. Over his career, he accumulated more than 100 tackles in back-to-back seasons, including 128 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack during his senior year in 2023. What sets Campbell apart from other prospects, however, is his ability to read offenses and adjust on the fly, a trait that has earned him comparisons to some of the NFL’s top linebackers.
A Perfect Fit for Detroit
The Detroit Lions are coming off a promising 2023 season, one that saw their offense surge under head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff. However, despite improvements, the Lions’ defense still has plenty of room to grow. The linebacker position, in particular, has been an area of inconsistency, with Detroit struggling to find a long-term solution at the position. This is where Jack Campbell could be a game-changer.
Campbell’s ability to play in both a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme gives him versatility, which fits well with the Lions’ evolving defensive structure. Under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions have experimented with different front-seven alignments, and Campbell could add much-needed stability. His blend of size, speed, and coverage skills would allow Detroit to be more dynamic in their defensive play calling.
The Lions currently feature a mix of veterans and younger players at linebacker, including standout Alex Anzalone. However, adding a player of Campbell’s caliber would instantly boost the defense’s overall talent and depth. Campbell’s leadership qualities would also be invaluable for a defense still searching for its identity.
Why Jack Campbell is Rising
Despite not being a household name, Campbell is quickly establishing himself as one of the most intriguing linebacker prospects in the 2024 draft. His stock has been rising thanks to a combination of outstanding tape, impressive physical attributes, and strong intangibles. At the 2024 Senior Bowl, Campbell showcased his athleticism, quickness, and ability to diagnose plays, which only cemented his reputation as a player who can excel at the next level.
One of Campbell’s greatest strengths is his ability to play sideline to sideline. He doesn’t just make tackles near the line of scrimmage but is adept at pursuing ball carriers across the field, making him a true three-down linebacker. His versatility also extends to coverage, where he can handle tight ends and running backs in space, an increasingly important skill in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Campbell’s intelligence is perhaps his most distinguishing trait. He has a keen sense of where the ball is going and excels at positioning himself to make plays. Whether it’s reading the quarterback’s eyes or anticipating the next move of an offensive lineman, Campbell is constantly a step ahead. This football IQ would be particularly beneficial to the Lions, who are looking to add a linebacker capable of commanding the defense and making adjustments on the fly.
What the Lions Need at Linebacker
The Lions have shown that they are willing to invest in the defensive side of the ball, particularly after bolstering their secondary in recent years. However, linebacker has been a consistent area of need, and Campbell could be the missing piece to solidifying that unit. While Anzalone and Derek Barnes have shown flashes of potential, neither has been able to consistently produce at an elite level.
Drafting Campbell would address this gap by adding a player who can contribute immediately as a starter while also providing long-term stability at the position. His leadership and experience as a captain at Iowa would help him transition seamlessly into a locker room that is still in the process of building a winning culture. Campbell has the kind of mentality that Dan Campbell values in his players—tough, hardworking, and committed to improving every day.
A Possible Draft Scenario
While Jack Campbell is unlikely to be selected in the first round, the Lions could target him in the second or third round, depending on how the draft unfolds. At the moment, most analysts project Campbell to be a second-round pick, but his value could increase following the NFL Combine and individual workouts. For the Lions, picking Campbell in the second round would be a steal, offering them a high-upside linebacker who could make an immediate impact in 2024.
The Lions are in an ideal position to draft the best available player in the middle rounds, and Campbell’s skill set and leadership would make him a perfect fit for their defensive needs. With the team’s recent trajectory, adding a player like Campbell could elevate the Lions’ defense to a new level and make them even more formidable in the NFC North.
The Bottom Line
Jack Campbell may not have the same national profile as some other top linebacker prospects, but his combination of size, intelligence, and athleticism makes him an ideal fit for the Detroit Lions. With a defense that is on the rise, Campbell could be the piece that helps the Lions make a serious push for playoff contention in 2024 and beyond.
If Detroit decides to select Campbell, they could be adding one of the most complete linebackers in the draft—a player who will not only contribute immediately but will grow into one of the leaders of their defense for years to come.
