The Detroit Lions doubled-down against the positional value truthers when they took linebacker Jack Campbell 18th overall in the 2023 draft. Then all he did was finish second on the team in total tackles (95), with some down ballot votes for Defensive Rookie of the Year, albeit with the growing pains you'd expect from a rookie, particularly in coverage.
Bur Campbell did show improvement late in his rookie season. From Thanksgiving on (through the playoffs, presumably), he was Pro Football Focus' 22nd-ranked linebacker.
All offseason, Campbell has been the subject of breakout buzz internally and externally. He's stepping into the MIKE linebacker role, and the natural leadership aspect of that role even as Alex Anzalone remains prominent in that aspect at the WILL linebacker spot.
Campbell appeared on 97.1 The Ticket Thursday, and when asked about where he sees himself improving in his second season he went deep into details.
"This offseason I’ve worked a lot on getting on and off blocks, instead of trying to press out, play two gaps. I came from the University of Iowa, our identity was go hit someone, play two gaps. Here, and in the NFL, if you try to do that, the offensive linemen are so good they’re just going to hold you off. So getting on and off blocks is something I’ve been trying to improve on. Also, just seeing route concepts as they happen in zone coverage, I’ve been trying to progress in that. But also, rushing the passer, one on one with the backs, I’ve been trying to get better at that. Also, man to man coverage on tight ends and running backs, I feel like that’s an area that I needed to improve on."
Kelvin Sheppard has perfect quote to sum up Jack Campbell
Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard talked about the standard Campbell holds himself to, and the challenge that presents as his position coach.
"Because each day you have to (ask yourself)," Sheppard said, "how am I going to challenge this player? Because he wants to be great. Make no bones about it, Jack wants to be great. He’s not going to accept average coaching, average teammates, average anything. He allows me to elevate not only my coaching, but the culture in the room."
Sheppard then reached the perfect punch line to describe Campbell.
"The way he runs to the ball, the way he finishes, the way he works out, everything about this guy, if he’s going, it’s balls to the wall. And it bleeds into the room and into his teammates..."
The Lions drafted Campbell because they saw him as a great all-around fit and a long-term anchor for their defense. Moving toward his second season, he's becoming that guy.