As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Jack Campbell.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jack Campbell (LB – Iowa)
Jack Campbell (LB – Iowa)
6’5″ – 246 lbs.
Background:
Iowa native who lightly rotated into the defense as a freshman, then put together 29 tackles over 141 snaps the following year, appearing in the final five games of the season. Stepped into the starting middle linebacker role as a junior, being named a team captain in a season that earned him defensive MVP honors with an outstanding line of 143-3.5-1.0 over 972 snaps. Also played just under 150 snaps on special teams, primarily on punt coverage and kick block units. Followed that up with an even stronger senior year of 125-5.5-1.0 and two interceptions.
Strengths:
Highly-productive starter from one of college football’s premier programs with a favorable trajectory; play improved dramatically over the course of the past two years. Big linebacker whose frame should meet every team’s size requirements; played in the middle behind four-man lines in college but could theoretically fit in a variety of roles/schemes. Pretty good athlete (especially for his size) who diagnoses relatively quickly and looks fast when playing downhill. Uses his length to play off of blocks. Can hear the pads clicking when he steps into the hole and takes on a blocker in run fits. Lateral flow looks smooth when defending against off-tackle and stretch runs; able to play sideline to sideline, demonstrating a consistently strong motor. Generates pop on contact and offers a wide tackling radius due to his length. Every-down linebacker who is able to work in zone coverage/pattern-match; doesn’t look totally overwhelmed by receivers running shallow crosses through his zones. Shaded over on a handful of snaps each game. Looks smooth dropping into zones. Usage as a rusher was simple but closes quickly when he’s schemed a lane. Team captain and academic standout with plus intangibles. Has the temperament and experience to play on special teams right away.
Weaknesses:
Relatively fast and smooth but is not the most explosive athlete. Slightly more reactive than anticipatory at this point; production behind the LOS is somewhat lacking. Pursuit angles can be overly aggressive at times. Gets pulled up occasionally by play fakes. Needs to do a better job of keeping his shoulders square when flowing laterally. More physical than technical when taking on blockers. Looks a little bit hunched over when working in coverage. Some clunky transitions from his backpedal to planting and driving. Lacks moves/counters as a rusher when successfully picked up in pass pro. Didn’t see him playing much off the edge, although he has the frame to potentially do that.
Summary:
Has all of the raw tools to develop into a versatile, every-down linebacker at the next level, being able to play downhill and flow laterally in the run game and offering some value on passing downs as well. Cleaned up his run fits, pursuit angles, and overall technique dramatically from his first to his second season, and that very favorable trajectory is his ticket into the second round or so on draft day.
Projection: Round 2
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