Jack Campbell Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Profile

 

Linebacker, Iowa Hawkeyes, # 31

Measurements

6’ 5” 243 lbs

40 time: Unkown (no estimate)

Jack Campbell NFL Draft Profile

Jack Campbell wasn’t on every schools radar coming out of Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was only a three star recruit according to 247Sports and ranked 662nd nationally. The 6’ 5” 195 lb OLB was considered too tall by most to play linebacker. Many wanted him to play edge, or even center, including Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz.

Jack used his 6’ 5” inch frame to lead his high school team to state playoffs both on the football field and the basketball court. As a senior he would record 168 tackles (a school record) on his way to leading them to a state runner up finish. He also played center and was the heart of their hardwood team as well. 

Campbell showed his leadership early on. He was named team captain as both a junior and a senior for his respective teams. According to an article on hawkcentral.com, he once left a basketball game in the first half after splitting open his head. His coach thought his center would be done for the night, but to his coaches amazement he returned with his head bandaged in the second half. Campbell would go on to make 12-13 shots and lead his team to an 11 point victory. Campbell even volunteered to play special teams for the football team. Not something you see many star players do.

Despite his love for Northern Iowa, the school his fad played offensive line for, Jack would choose the Hawkeyes. He had offers from Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Iowa, and Minnesota, but it was the thought of playing linebacker that drew him to  Iowa City. The recruiting process even included mentions of a recent Hawkeye standout linebacker Josey Jewell, now with the Denver Broncos.

College

Campbell saw limited action in 11 games as a freshman. In the pandemic year of 2020, he would see an even shorter season than most when he would miss time with mono. In the 5 games he did play he recorded 29 tackles with 4.5 for a loss as an OLB and made Academic ALL-Big Ten. 

He would be moved to middle linebacker prior to this his junior season. So far this season, he is 5th in the nation with 129 total tackles. He also has 1 sack, 1 FF, 8 PDs, and 2 INTs. Campbell has established himself as a true leader in the middle of the Hawkeye’s vaunted defense. 

Jack Campbell Strengths

Tackling

As I noted, Campbell is no stranger to taking down the ball carrier. He seems to be part of every tackle when watching the Hawkeyes play. He is a sound tackler and engages the ball carrier with aggression and strength. Campbell wraps up and doesn’t rely on his force to bring the ball carrier down. NFL coaches will not have to coach him up here at all. 

Versatility

Campbell is versed in all phases of the game. He has played special teams, outside linebacker, and middle linebacker. I believe he is best in the middle of the defense, where he can lead his team. Campbell is utilized as a blitzer often and although he may not have great sack numbers, he does blitz well. He is intelligent with his delayed blitzes and often affects the quarterback’s throw. As a run blitzer, he times his get off well and takes on blockers at the point of attack.

Although I wouldn’t expect him to cover deep middle, Campbell has shown decent ability in zone coverage and has the size to man up on bigger tight ends in the red zone. With all of his versatility, I think he is still better suited for a 3-4 defense. He’d be a great second ILB.

Athletic for his Size

Jack Campbell won’t be challenging Usain Bolt to any races, but he has silenced all the doubters who thought he couldn’t cover ground from the linebacker position. Campbell is surprisingly athletic for such a large linebacker. His 6’ 5” frame would make most players seem cumbersome, but he seems to move with ease. I would like to see him use his length and height to have more of an affect on the opposing passing game.

Although I still think players like Christian Harris or Owen Pappoe are superior athletes at the position, Campbell may surprise some at the NFL Combine. If he does enter the draft and tests better than expected, many teams will start looking harder at him. 

Natural Leader

I dare you to find an article that doesn’t mention his leadership ability. Every teammate says he is the true definition of a leader. He plays hard on every snap and brings that same intensity to practice. “Boy he goes hard!” is a quote by his coach Kirk Ferentz when asked about Campbell.

Campbell is a coaches dream in the locker room and that can’t be measured by any athletic testing. When he receives praise he deflects it to the rest of his teammates in a humble way. He is always first to mention the team.

Jack Campbell Weaknesses

Lacks Elite Field Awareness

I notice this most when I see him drop into coverage. Rather than backpedaling into his assigned zone and watching the quarterback, he tends to turn his head and watch the receivers too often to find himself. An elite NFL quarterback will use this against him early in his career and throw receivers open when he isn’t looking. 

I wouldn’t ask him to drop into coverage often early in his career. I do however, notice a huge improvement in him from game to game. Early in the season I questioned his instincts. Campbell has quieted those concerns with his improvements, so I hope he can do the same here.

Plays Too Tall at Times

I know he is 6’ 5”. He needs to use his height on some plays, but in the run game and at the point of attack he needs to stay low. I see him struggle to keep his pad height low against opposing lineman and he loses leverage. This causes him to be engaged easily. If he can clean this up a bit, he could be a true force in the middle against the run. 

Jack Campbell NFL Draft Stock

When talking to other analysts and reviewing their notes, I see Campbell all over the board. Some have him as a third round pick. Most have him slated as a day three pick. I have to agree with the day three prediction, given the fact that I have some other players ahead of him at his position. However, I’d pull the trigger early Day 3 in a heart beat. Not bad for someone who almost every scout would have ranked as undrafted prior to the season!

Jack Campbell Final Thoughts

I’m a big fan of Campbell as a solid depth piece. One who will contribute on special teams immediately and a defensive coordinator could trust in spot duty early on. If Campbell continues to improve, as he has all year, in the NFL he could develop into a solid ILB for a 3-4 team. 

A team like New England would be a great fit. With an aging Hightower, he could play a role similar to him soon. He would offer more benefit in coverage as well. However, Campbell may stay in Iowa and continue his progress there.

Jack Campbell NFL Comparison: Donta Hightower

I think Campbell’s size and athleticism are a great comparison to a young Hightower. Campbell may even be better in coverage, but in today’s NFL you have to be. I could see him playing the run and blitzing from the middle very effectively just like Donta has for the last decade in New England.

 

Jack Campbell Scouting Report by Ken Noble