Jack Campbell could be a potential target for the Steelers in the 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Steelers signed ILBs Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts in free agency, however that didn’t erase ILB from being a draft need.
Steelers are still looking for a total package at middle linebacker. Trading up for Devin Bush was supposed to be the solution to all their ILB problems. Sadly, that was a total bust of a draft selection.
Steelers have a great chance to land their next great inside linebacker this draft class. Jack Campbell probably leads the pack for a very good ILB draft class.
Jack Campbell’s official NFL Combine numbers:
- Height – 6’5″
- Weight – 249 lbs
- Arm – 31 7/8″
- Hand – 10 1/4″
- 40 Yard Dash – 4.65 seconds
- Vertical Jump – 37.5″
- Broad Jump – 10′ 8″
The biggest concern coming out of Iowa was Jack Campbell’s athletic ability. He quickly shut down those concerns with his testing at the NFL Combine and the Iowa Pro Day.
Speaking of the Pro Day, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan were present for Jack Campbell’s Pro Day. Iowa isn’t a yearly destination for the Steelers.
Jack Campbell is an intriguing prospect for Tomlin and company to see him at his Pro Day.
Let’s have a look at Jack Campbell’s Journey
Jack Campbell was a 3-star recruit coming out of Cedar Falls High School, where he helped lead the school’s basketball team to state championships in his final two years.
He could’ve played college basketball but elected to commit to Iowa and play college football.
In his first two years he would play only a combined 16 games before starting 14 games in 2021 and breaking out. That year he collected an impressive 140 tackles (3.5 for loss), 1 sack, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), six pass breakups, and 13 total pressures.
This led to him being voted the teams Defensive Most Valuable Player. He shined again in his senior year in 2022, garnering 125 tackles (5.5 for loss), 1 sack, 2 interceptions, one pass breakup, and 13 total pressures.
Jack Campbell would win the Dick Butkus Award, given to the nation’s best linebacker, as well as the Big Ten Defensive Player and Linebacker of the Year awards.
PROS
- Ideal frame for a linebacker
- Always around the football
- Great in space tackler – always wraps up
- Future green dot player – leader on the field and highly communicative
- Downhill gap hitter – solid range at attacking the ball carrier
- Smart and smooth in zone coverage – allowed only 236 yards on 418 coverage snaps in 2022
- Trophy case is full of awards
- Solid success as a blitzer – causes chaos in the pocket
- “Jack” of all trades
CONS
- Reaction speed could hurt him – not the most athletic linebacker
- Big build hinders his change of direction
- Jumpy with pre-snap movements
- Needs to be more physical against blockers when approached in the second level
- Size to cover big tight ends – but still a work in man coverage
Jack Campbell: the next great Steelers middle linebacker?
The interest is there for the Steelers and they could select him anywhere in the second round.
Campbell could come in and start right next to Holcomb. But he wouldn’t be thrown into the fire immediately as Roberts would come in for relief and run downs.
Campbell would have great leadership around him to start his career while also being an excellent and intelligent worker.
Steelers need a total package at linebacker and Campbell has all the traits they’re looking for.
He’s not as athletic or as fast as some other linebackers in the draft class, but he’s just as, if not, more productive on the field.
It’s possible the Steelers wait for a linebacker later in the draft. However, if Campbell is sitting in their laps at either 32 or 49, they can solidify linebacker for the long term.