'Let it rip': Jack Campbell thinks Lions' defense can be the NFL's best

‘Let it rip’: Jack Campbell thinks Lions’ defense can be the NFL’s best

Posted by author July 26, 2024 NFL

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Allen Park — Lions linebacker Jack Campbell displayed a whole new side of himself Friday when talking to the media ahead of his second NFL season.

He was a particularly serious man as he tried to find his role during Year 1, but the former first-rounder was all smiles when making the lofty claim about the level of play that Detroit is aspiring to this year.

“Everyone out here on the defensive side (feels like) we’re going to be the best defense in the NFL,” Campbell said. “Because I feel like if you set goals that are attainable — like, we could very well be a top-10 defense, we just have to come out here and do the right things every day.

“But why not be the best defense in the NFL, if we all want to get to where we’re going to get? I feel like that’s been the focus right now and the mentality that’s been adopted by everyone in the locker room.”

At 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds with speed to burn, Campbell’s frame put him among the most enticing off-ball linebacking prospects to come out of the draft in some time. But in such a complicated position on the field, the mental side of the game didn’t always match up with the physical gifts. That’s not abnormal for rookie linebackers, but it was certainly a point of frustration as he found himself third on the depth chart behind Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes.

And yet, with the time to reflect on the season that was, Campbell was much easier on himself than he was at times last year.

“Rookie year was great. I learned a lot about just football in general, about myself. It was a great year, great experience,” Campbell said. “I was a rookie and I got to go to the NFC Championship, get playoff experience. Grateful for that…and now looking forward to this season, man, we’re just excited to go let it rip. I feel like it’s not only a mentality that I’ve adopted, but everyone just like, let it rip. Mistakes are going to happen, just play fast.”

Linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard heaped praise on Campbell’s development as a leader of the defense during the spring period, and Campbell said he’s continuing to “make strides every single day” in the mental aspect of things. The growth should be even more evident when the pads come on next week. And while he’s trying to give himself more grace, he’s also not letting up.

“I feel like every day the one who puts the most pressure on me is myself. When I step out here on the field, I don’t want to mess up. It’s inevitable, but that’s (how it is) for me. I’ve just got to let it go, keep playing, next play, and you know what? I’m going to work like I worked last year,” Campbell said.

“I need to make that leap right now, and that’s something that, as an individual, I feel like I’ve been pushing myself to honestly the maximum human capacity right now. I’m just going to keep finding ways to do more, because at the end of the day, I don’t want to be sitting in the offseason asking myself what I could’ve done more. Because I hate that feeling. That’s probably the reason I’m here, honestly.”

Detroit is just under 600 miles away from his hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, but he must admit that having the chance to spend ample time here over the offseason has given him a new appreciation for the place he calls home. He’s officially a Detroiter now.

“It’s quiet up here. The people are just kind as can be, always put each other first. I feel like this word gets thrown around a lot, but it is a gritty city. They got a lot of people out here who are busting their ass every single day to support everyone at home. For me coming from Iowa, that’s all we knew,” Campbell said.

“Just strap up and just provide for your family.”

nbianchi@detroitnews.com

@nolanbianchi