2023 NFL Draft: 6 Prospects who made money at the Scouting Combine
5. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Don’t let the 4.65 40-yard dash fool you. Campbell made himself some money at the 2023 NFL Draft. His 6.74 3-cone was the third-best of all the Combine participants. In fact, he tested in the 95 percentile. Campbell’s size and physicality are some of his most valuable assets, as he stands at 6’4″ and weighs 250 pounds. He is a downhill thumper who excels at dissecting and shedding blockers, much like Tremaine Edmunds, Zach Cunningham, and Leighton Vander Esch. His ability to leverage gaps and fit the run, as well as his physicality when playing into the line of scrimmage, make him a valuable addition to any defense.
Campbell also has excellent processing ability, which allows him to navigate congested areas and locate the ball carrier with ease. His coverage skills have significantly improved, and he has a strong understanding of spacing, squeezing routes, and eye discipline.
Furthermore, Campbell’s leadership qualities and intangibles make him a highly desirable prospect for NFL teams. He has a highly productive career for Iowa and is the 2022 Butkus Award winner, a consensus All-American, and a permanent team captain. He also has experience in all phases of special teams, making him a versatile player.
However, there are some concerns about Campbell’s ability to perform consistently in man coverage due to his modest range and tight lower half. Additionally, Iowa often lacked a plan to beat blocks when he was tasked with blitzing and shooting gaps.
Despite these minor limitations, Campbell’s overall skill set and intangibles make him a highly desirable prospect, and he is likely to be drafted early on Day 2. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers could all be interested in his services.