Everything kind of flew out the window and I’m a Lion and that’s the only thing that matters.

I’m so excited to step foot in the building and get ready to work. “I’m so proud to be able to represent this organization on the highest stage. “Honestly, man, right now I’m just living in the moment and I’m a Detroit Lion, and that’s the only thing that matters to me,” Campbell told reporters Thursday night. His relative athletic score of 9.98 was the best in the class and when you factor in his makeup - viewed as an egoless player who didn’t accept an NIL deal and considers social media a distraction - it’s easy to see why the Lions loved him. His 6.74 three-cone and 4.24 short shuttle were No. He was the best defensive player on an Iowa defense that ranked first in the country in yards per play allowed, racking up 128 tackles in 13 games last season.Īt the combine in February, Campbell raised his stock as a prospect. IntroductionĬampbell was the best linebacker in college football last season, taking home the 2022 Dick Butkus Award. The Lions selected him 34 slots higher than that Thursday evening, passing on other positions to do so. 52 overall among Dane Brugler’s top 300 prospects. But maybe the Lions knew something we didn’t, and decided to take one of the top players on their board regardless of outside value.ĭraft grades: Scott Dochterman on Round 1īig board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300? Big board rankingĬampbell ranked No. Most believed he might be there when Detroit picked in the second round. He plays a position that isn’t viewed as one of value.

Campbell wasn’t getting a ton of first-round love. Just like Gibbs, this is a surprising move for the Lions.

Intrépido by Jack Campbell