College Football: Replacements for every first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

18. Iowa football replacement for Jack Campbell (Lions): Nick Jackson

Even if the Lions hadn’t made what many considered a reach to take Jack Campbell within the Top 20 picks, replacing the linebacker would’ve been of the utmost importance for Iowa in the 2023 season given what he meant to that defense as a playmaker and leaders.

The Hawkeyes are often a program that focuses on growing their own stars but a large exodues with Campbell saw two other linebackers who were key factors leave as well. That ultimately led to Kirk Ferentz bringing in the obvious replacement, former Virginia linebacker Nick Jackson, by way of the portal.

Jackson started three seasons for UVA and, considering that Iowa used a rare transfer on such a high-profile player, it would be a true shock if they didn’t start him as they appear to be quite high on what he brings to the table.

19. Pitt football replacement for Calijah Kancey (Bucs): Devin Danielson

There are many faults that we could point to in modern college football when it comes to Pat Narduzzi’s Pitt program, but producing quality defensive line talent is not among them. So even though the Panthers don’t have a player who will be quite the same force that Calijah Kancey was for Pitt.

Pittsburgh rotates along the defensive line relatively often, so we saw Devin Danielson, who is entering his sixth season, play just a hair over 300 snaps last season. Again, he’s not nearly the force that Kance was and we’ll likely see a rotation once again, one that includes veteran David Green and more from Elliot Donald. All told, though, it’ll be Danielson lining up as the starter alongside the returning Green.