Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell has emerged as one of the top defensive prospects entering the 2025 NFL Draft after an impressive NFL Combine. Which NFL teams are the best fit for the All-SEC First Team linebacker?
As a standout defensive playmaker for the Crimson Tide in 2024, Campbell was all over the field racking up 119 total tackles with 5 sacks. 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker showcased his speed at the NFL Combine with a 4.52 40-time, a speed he has showcased on the field with his ability to close the gap on ball carriers.
In this draft, it will be Campbell’s ability to get after the quarterback that will make him an intriguing defensive prospect for teams drafting in the middle in the draft. As a potential top 10 pick, Campbell’s instincts as an edge rusher as well as his high-IQ as a coverage linebacker makes him a versatile defender who can make plays wherever he lines up. In all, a playmaking machine who should be off the board early come draft night.
2025 NFL Draft: Jihaad Campbell the next great Alabama defender in the NFL
Described as a “tall, rangy and explosive linebacker” by NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah in his ranking of the top 50 prospects entering the NFL Draft, Campbell has the athleticism to be the next great Alabama linebacker/edge to enter the NFL.
GIMME Dat!!!@RealJihaadC ➡️ @Timothy_smith77
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) November 10, 2024
📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/bSlWCjQUmV
Initially recruited by Alabama as an edge rusher, Campbell excelled as a linebacker with Alabama displaying a range of versatility and playmaking ability that could land him high in the draft. Jeremiah highlights that versatility in his assessment.
He writes:
“As an off-ball linebacker, he doesn’t possess elite instincts but offers excellent speed and physicality. He can range sideline to sideline and flashes the ability to thump off blockers and collect tackles on inside runs. He displays exciting tools in his pass-rush opportunities off the edge. He can burst/bend and finish. He also grew more comfortable in coverage throughout the 2024 season. He anticipates routes and positions himself to make plays on the ball. Overall, Campbell expands the playbook for defensive coordinators and his best football is ahead of him.”
3 interesting NFL fits for Jihaad Campbell
Explosiveness, versatility and a high-impact intensity makes Campbell a player who should be a Day 1 contributor on defense. Where will he go in the 2025 NFL Draft will depend on whether teams see him as an edge rusher or how versatile they see him as a linebacker. Either way, there are teams who will jump at the opportunity to draft one of the top defenders entering the draft.
Here are the 3 top fits for the explosive Alabama linebacker:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Campbell should be gone when the Buccaneers select at No. 19, but if he somehow falls, Tampa would be a great landing spot for a versatile defender like Campbell. As a big-play game wrecker, his inside linebacker ability would upgrade the Buccaneers’ defense in a big way, especially playing alongside and behind Lavonte David, in which he could be the eventual successor.
Carolina Panthers: A team in need of identity on defense, the Panthers could very well make Jihaad Campbell a top 10 pick. He would take care of two needs for Carolina. He can get after the quarterback as an edge defender, and he would add some attitude to the defense in his ability to make impact plays when the game is on the line.
San Francisco 49ers: No team screams Jihaad Campbell more than the 49ers who lost linebacker Dre Greenlaw in free agency. Although their biggest need is along the defensive line, Campbell could not only replace Greenlaw as an inside linebacker and he can also move to the outside as an edge-rusher opposite Nick Bosa. 49ers fans would be thrilled about this pick.