Learn about the Lions 18 selected in the 2023 NFL Draft
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes doesn’t care who you snubbed against the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s going to get his man. Although, to be fair, Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell has “Dan Campbell Guy” written on it.
The Lions needed some linebacker help and got a guy that a lot of players had at the top linebacker position in the NFL Draft. When you see him play, you can tell why. Campbell is a monster linebacker at 6-foot-5, 249 pounds. That size doesn’t stop him though. He can go to the sidelines and he can succeed in covering.
We wanted to learn more about the Lions’ newest linebacker, so we reached out to Iowa’s win writer Tom Kalckert From Hawkeye Report to get the scoop. This is what he said:
1. What are your general thoughts on Campbell’s tenure at Iowa?
“I’ve covered the Hawkeyes for twenty years and Jack Campbell is shortlisted for the best players and guys I’ve been around. He’s the whole package. I think he might be the best player to come out of Iowa under Ferentz, who’s approaching year 25. And that includes some really great players. .
“He loves the game of soccer and plays with passion when he’s on the field. Off the field, he’s one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. I’m not kidding about that. His kindness is endless. He’s the kind of person you want your daughter to bring home as a friend. A special guy.” “.
2. What are his strengths?
“I’ve always liked his drive. He only plays on the sidelines and never feels out of play. A really solid striker with a lot of durability. He’s rarely out of position and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
“I can’t say this enough, he loves football. He’s a footballer and he would be a great leader.”
3. What are his weaknesses?
“There were some questions coming to Iowa about if he would stay at linebacker. He’s big and some people thought he might end up with a hand on the ground. But he stayed at linebacker and it was great.
“I think the other question mark might cover NFL level tight ends. He might not have the speed to cover. Having said that, he trained against some really good ends while he was at Iowa, including Sam Laporta, who will be drafted this year.” .
(Editor’s note: Coincidentally, this was answered before the Lions drafted Laporta.)
4. CAMPBELL WRITTEN “DAN CAMPBELL’S MAN.” What kind of fit do you think he has with lions?
“I think he’s a very good fit for Dan Campbell and what he’s looking for in a footballer. He loves the game of football. Just loves it. While I don’t cover the lions, my impression of Dan Campbell is that he’s a ‘footballer’ and so is Jack Campbell.
“Jack will come along and be really humble and lead by example every single day. To me, that fits with what it feels like to be working under Dan Campbell.”
5. Can Campbell make an immediate impact in the NFL?
“I think he could come in and play right away. I don’t know much about Lions players, but he would help out there early. He’s also a very willing and influential player on special teams. He did that early in his career at Iowa. He’d be happy to help out any way he can.” “.
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