Broncos Draft: Best linebacker with the possible departures of Singleton and Griffith
The Denver Broncos defense was pretty good for the most part in 2022, but the offense was terrible, which is why they were the 32nd-ranked offense to end the year. The defense was ranked in the top five for the majority of the season, but because of 106 points allowed in their last three games, […]
The Denver Broncos defense was pretty good for the most part in 2022, but the offense was terrible, which is why they were the 32nd-ranked offense to end the year.
The defense was ranked in the top five for the majority of the season, but because of 106 points allowed in their last three games, they fell to 15th.
The offense needs the most work, there is no disputing that. They need an offensive line to help out Russell Wilson, and they need depth at other spots as well.
But, they also need a new linebacker, considering both Alex Singleton and Jonas Griffith are set to hit free agency this summer. So, they could take the best linebacker in the draft, which is based on how his college career went.
Jack Campbell, the linebacker from Iowa, is that guy. Let's just start with the fact that the guy won the Dick Butkus award in 2022. In other words, he won the college award for the best linebacker in the country.
Now, that doesn't always mean he is, but, his numbers also don't lie. During his time at Iowa, the Hawkeyes were one of the best defenses in the country year in and year out. Campbell may be the best coverage linebacker in the draft with a Pro Football Focus grade of 92.9 and is very good at stopping the run with a PFF grade of 85.6.
The thing that has him down in the draft, is his ability to rush the passer. That just isn't his thing. Can he do it? Absolutely. But, he was only asked to rush the passer 62 times last season. He was dropped into coverage 418 times, where he thrived.
Campbell even played 89 snaps in the slot, but most of his snaps game in the box alignment. His best game of the season was against Ohio State when he finished with an overall grade of 91.5, not shying away from the big-time games.
Campbell will make an excellent coverage linebacker in the league, let's just hope he gets picked by the Broncos.
Featured Image Via Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
