Jack Campbell didn’t just take a step forward in his second NFL season — he leaped into the conversation as one of the league’s most improved linebackers.
After a tough rookie year adjusting from Iowa to the speed of the NFL, Campbell bounced back in a big way for the Detroit Lions in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished the season as the 10th-highest graded linebacker in the league — a dramatic jump from his rookie numbers. His overall PFF grade soared from 52.1 to 78.7, and his coverage grade — once a major weakness — skyrocketed from 35.3 to 74.2.
With 131 total tackles and five tackles for loss, Campbell was a key piece of Detroit’s defense. When injuries hit the linebacker room hard — with Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Derrick Barnes all missing time — Campbell stepped up, wore the green dot, and became the steady anchor the Lions needed.
Now heading into Year 3, Campbell is no longer just a young talent — he’s emerging as a defensive leader. His growth on the field is obvious, but it’s his resilience, availability, and rising football IQ that truly set the tone for what’s to come in Detroit.
From Rookie to Reliable: Jack Campbell’s Big Step Forward for Detroit
