One Lions rookie that will have the largest impact in 2023
The Detroit Lions have used every opportunity available to them to improve their roster in the 2023 offseason. The 2023 NFL Draft was no exception as general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell were able to identify players capable of making an instant impact as rookies. Although media members and Lions fans alike […]
The Detroit Lions have used every opportunity available to them to improve their roster in the 2023 offseason. The 2023 NFL Draft was no exception as general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell were able to identify players capable of making an instant impact as rookies.
Although media members and Lions fans alike were left scratching their heads after Round 1, war room video showed quite the opposite emotions after Detroit's early picks were made. One player that elicited an overwhelmingly joyful reaction from the Lions brass was the 18th overall pick, linebacker Jack Campbell.
In fact, The Athletic recently released an article including an excerpt on why Campbell will have the largest impact on the team as a rookie.
From The Athletic's Colton Pouncy: Lions GM Brad Holmes placed an emphasis on finding players who could make an immediate impact with his early-round picks. For a defense that ranked dead last in yards per game allowed, Jack Campbell has a chance to move the needle. He has the look of a plug-and-play stack linebacker whose impressive play speed and all-out effort should be an asset defensively. With upgrades in the secondary and depth added along the defensive line, as well as the addition of Campbell, the Lions are expecting much more from their defense in 2023.
Campbell is arguably the best linebacker to come out of Iowa in the Kirk Ferentz era. He spent plenty of time matched up against some of the best tight ends in the college game while with the Hawkeyes, which is something that will hopefully translate to the NFL level.
Campbell and Lions head coach Dan Campbell appear to be a match made in football guy heaven. These two are built for the game and with the right amount of coaching, Campbell should solidify depth at the linebacker position while also potentially slotting in on special teams if he's asked to do so.
