Jack Campbell Stamps LB1 Status After Impressive NFL Combine
By Hunter Haas
The Iowa Hawkeyes are known for producing NFL talent in several positions on the roster. Rarely do we see a linebacker capable of being the best in the league. Jack Campbell is that guy, and he proved it at the NFL Combine.
On tape, Campbell checks every box. He has a nose for the football, never gives up on a play before the whistle, and is as polished as it comes. He is an all-around threat but profiles best as a MIKE linebacker in the NFL.
As you know, the MLB position is essentially the quarterback of the defense. This player is typically given the “green dot” on their helmet, allowing them to hear from coaches and pass the information along to the rest of the unit.
To not only play this position, but to play it at a high level, is one of the most difficult things to do in football. With a ton of pre-snap responsibilities, a high-end MLB must be able to diagnose the play and have the wherewithal to make a play on the ball when it comes their way.
Campbell was built for the position. He boasts an impressive football IQ, showcasing instincts and intensity that simply cannot be taught. The lingering question with Campbell after finishing up his tape was, “is he athletic enough to make the jump to the NFL?”
Jack Campbell Stamps LB1 Status After Impressive NFL Combine
Upon arriving in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, Campbell quickly put those concerns to bed. To the surprise of no one, the Iowa star nailed his media interview. He displayed intelligence and a hunger to get into an NFL locker room and learn from the veterans.
On the field, Campbell solidified himself as the top linebacker on my big board. He ran a 4.65 40-yard dash, but thanks to a mind-blowing sub-7s 3-cone drill, his RAS ranks among the best in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Standing in at 6-foot-4 5/8” and weighing 249 pounds, Campbell miraculously leaped 37.5″ in the vertical jump and covered nearly 11 feet in his broad jump. For a guy whose “only” questions heading into the draft centered around his athleticism, these numbers confirm what I saw on tape — Campbell is an athlete.
Campbell logged 1,845 snaps over the past two seasons, taking his game to new heights in 2022. He posted stellar PFF Grades across the board: Run Defense (85.6), Tackling (81.3), Coverage (92.9), and Overall Defense (91.7).
Supporting these grades, Campbell tallied multiple interceptions in each of his final two seasons on campus. He also possesses the potential to rush the passer at a high level, even if Iowa didn’t ask him to do it often.
In a linebacker group with several “situational” players toward the top of rankings, Campbell profiles as the rare, every-down linebacker. He has the work ethic and the talent to be an All-Pro in the NFL.
Jack Campbell just needs the opportunity now. He holds a top-25 grade on my big board and is the best linebacker I have evaluated this cycle. Whoever is smart enough to pull the trigger will be getting a building block for the defense.