Jack Campbell made his first, first team All Pro appearance, but how big is his ceiling for 2026?
As the Detroit Lions 2026 player profile series shifts to the defensive side of the ball, it’s only fitting to begin with the newest First-Team All-Pro on the roster: linebacker Jack Campbell.
It took Campbell just three seasons to become one of the NFL’s premier linebackers. When Detroit selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the pick was widely criticized by fans and draft analysts. Three years later, those doubts have been put to rest as Campbell has developed into the centerpiece of the Lions’ defense.
Detroit rewarded Campbell’s breakout campaign this offseason by signing him to a four-year, $81 million contract extension that includes $51.5 million guaranteed. The deal makes him one of the highest-paid linebackers in football and reflects just how important he has become to the franchise.
Campbell earned a 90.2 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025, ranking second among 88 qualified linebackers. He led all linebackers with a 93.0 run-defense grade while posting a 71.4 coverage grade, which ranked 12th, and a 72.4 pass-rush grade, which ranked 18th.
His production backed up those numbers. Campbell finished the season with 176 total tackles, including 110 solo stops, 68 defensive stops, five sacks, 17 total pressures, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He also posted just a 7.1% missed tackle rate, though quarterbacks compiled a 112.2 passer rating when targeting him in coverage.
Campbell’s 176 tackles set a new Lions franchise record for tackles in a single season. He also became the first Lions defender since at least 1994 to record at least 100 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles in the same season.
He joined rare company in franchise history as just the second Lion to produce a season with at least 110 tackles and five sacks, joining Chris Spielman, who accomplished the feat in 1989.
Following his contract extension, Campbell reflected on his journey and admitted he never forgot the criticism he received entering the NFL. During one of his press conferences, he mentioned a CBS Sports article that labeled him the “worst pick” in the draft. Rather than letting that criticism define him, Campbell used it as motivation to become one of the league’s best linebackers.
Durability has also been one of Campbell’s greatest strengths. He has not missed a game in his NFL career, appearing in all 51 possible contests while making 46 starts.
Through three seasons, Campbell has totaled 402 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, 10 pass deflections, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His consistent production earned him a spot at No. 88 on the NFL Top 100 Players list, which is voted on by players in the NFL.
At just 26 years old, Campbell appears to be entering the prime of his career. With another strong supporting cast around him and a defense expected to take another step forward, there’s every reason to believe his breakout season wasn’t a one-year performance.
I expect Campbell to once again contend for First-Team All-Pro honors in 2026, with a Pro Bowl selection serving as his floor.
2026 Projection: 181 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
