Jack

Campbell

Campbell figures to start next to Alex Anzalone for the Lions this year, though perhaps Malcolm Rodriguez will make a move up the rankings in his first offseason with the team. Campbell should be an IDP starter from the jump assuming he stays healthy in training camp.

A unanimous All-American who brought home Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year accolades, Campbell (6’5/249) was named the 2022 Butkus Award recipient given to the top linebacker in the country. He plays the position with a cerebral approach befitting a three-time Academic All-Big Ten student and is a savant at diagnosing play flow. The rangy MLB rarely lets rushers escape his grasp, which is reflected in his superb 8.9% missed tackle rate and 107 run stops over the last two seasons. The mechanics with which he plays the game are unassailable, but his length can hurt him in coverage and in change of direction situations. Campbell is at his best scraping and challenging ball carriers at the point of attack, though his 31.875” arms hurt his ability to out-leverage massive linemen. His Combine performance was near-perfect, with Campbell posting 97th+ percentile results in jumping and agility testing to go with a 92nd percentile 1.58s 10-yard dash to combine for an eye-popping 9.98 RAS. His play style and athleticism are reminiscent of former Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch.

Campbell (6'5/243) is a linebacker to watch in 2022, and his numbers back up that statement. Last season, Campbell recorded 140 total tackles (57 solo) with five passes defended, two interceptions, one touchdown, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one sack. According to Pro Football Focus, Campbell totaled 45 run stops last season -- the most by a Power Five linebacker.

Campbell (6'5/243) announced earlier on Wednesday his plans to return to school in 2022, which gives a big boost to the Hawkeyes, as they get back their linebacker who led the nation in tackles last season (139) while also forcing 13 quarterback pressures, one sack, two interceptions and three pass breakups. Campbell’s 2021 season was enough to earn him first-team All-Big Ten honors as he proved to be one of the nation’s most dominant linebackers while playing for one of the nation’s most dominant defenses. If Iowa is to have a shot at the college football playoffs in 2022, Campbell’s return will go a long way in making that possible.