Not too many guys like to stick their nose into a hole and meet a running back at full speed anymore. It can be a lost art in the game of football. But, it still remains a crucial piece of a good defense.
The former Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker, Jack Campbell, is in his rookie year for the Detroit Lions and is already showing his willingness and ability to be a hard-nosed player on the field. In a way, Campbell personifies the culture that the Lions emanate. They are hard-nosed, physical, and not afraid.
Campbell’s style of play matches that and it shows. Pro Football Focus graded Jack Campbell as the highest-graded rookie run defender in the NFL in Week 6.
In the Lions’ 20-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Campbell registered seven tackles, including three solo tackles.
Highest graded rookie run defender from Week 6:
đŚ Jack Campbell: 86.5 pic.twitter.com/3x4mf3N7mo
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 17, 2023
The first-round draft pick is already paying dividends to the Lions for their trust in taking him earlier than many suspected he would go in the 2023 NFL draft. Through six games, Campbell has accumulated 26 total tackles, a sack, and one pass deflection. The former Hawkeye has these numbers with just two starts, but he is rapidly making a case that it’s hard to take him off the field.
Campbell and his fellow Iowa rookie, tight end Sam LaPorta, have been contributors very early in their careers for the Lions. They know how to win games and played serious parts in helping Detroit get out to a strong 5-1 start.
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