With the 18th pick, the Detroit Lions selected linebacker Jack Campbell out of Iowa.
This comes on the heels of Detroit taking up-and-coming star Malcolm Rodriguez in last year’s draft and re-signing starter Alex Anzalone in free agency.
Detroit generally operates their defense with two off-ball linebackers. Anzalone and Rodriguez are slated to be the starters heading into the 2024 season, but Campbell provides a chance for Detroit to mix-and-match their linebackers better depending on the situation.
Campbell is a guy who can smoothly drop into zone coverage and just as easily attack the run.
He is a very similar player to Rodriguez, meaning that he can offer some relief for the former sixth-round pick when needed.
Expect Campbell to be a reserve player for much of this season, rotating in frequently on defense.