Joel Klatt 'loves' Jack Campbell to Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell just seems like too good of a fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt.
With the way he played defense for the Hawkeyes and his ability on tape, Klatt loved this potential selection. Heck, Campbell wouldn’t trade in his college colors for new ones as a pro either.
Klatt explained why the Steelers should pounce on Campbell in the NFL Draft on the latest edition of his podcast.
“I really think I love the pick, Jack Campbell, linebacker for Iowa, going to the Pittsburgh Steelers around 49,” Klatt said. “They have picks 32 and 49 and I’m looking at Jack Campbell and I’m like Captain Jack in a Steelers uniform? Makes a lot of sense. This guy is big. Listen, I would love it if he ran a little bit better but when you watch the tape, he moves better on tape than what he would do in a 40 yard dash. Okay, so he plays fairly fast.
“He’s a really smart player. He makes every play that you need him to make. He’s a sure tackler. He’s the type of guy that can come in and eventually be the captain of your defense.”
Campbell is a logical fit on the Steelers’ defense and would not be a developmental piece either.
“Jack Campbell with the Pittsburgh Steelers to me makes a lot of sense, they need linebacker help after Devin Bush signed a one year deal with Seattle,” Klatt said. “And I don’t think that this is too high. And this is the type of guy that plays a really aggressive style of defense, that fits in Pittsburgh and those fans will love him and that that coaching staff will love him again.
“At times, I would love it if he ran a little faster. But he plays faster than when he runs a 40. He makes plays in pass defense like you saw in that last clip. And I like Jack Campbell, Captain Jack to the Pittsburgh Steelers right there in the second round with the 49th Pick.”
Campbell played five seasons with Iowa and Cincinnati. He transitioned to tight end with the Bearcats in 2020 but ended up back with the Hawkeyes on defense.
In total, Campbell finished with 299 total tackles, 139 solo tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, five interceptions, 10 pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown.