First-round pick Jack Campbell is already getting some first-team reps in Detroit at linebacker. In the first few days of training camp, Campbell’s no-nonsense game and high-end athleticism have helped the rookie fit in quickly.
The LB himself shed some light on why he’s fitting in with Dan Campbell’s Lions so quickly during the rookie’s post-practice press conference on Sunday.
Campbell drew some parallels with his college program, the Iowa Hawkeyes. While Iowa’s offense has been inconsistent, the Hawkeyes defense has remained among the very best in the nation year in and out. Campbell was a big part of that success recently at Iowa, and he’s aiming to do that in Detroit, too.
“I feel like it’s a program kind of ran like this organization,” said Campbell. “You show up, you do what you’re expected to do. There’s no excuses. If you wanna set new standards, that’s what you gotta do.”
Campbell cited the veteran LBs around him for showing him the standards they demand from him. Thus far, it’s working well. Campbell played very well in the first two padded practices of training camp, earning more reps higher up the depth chart.