The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, like many teams across the league, had to be extremely excited with the workout that Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell put on display at the NFL Combine. There's a very good chance that he ends up being selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
After coming to college as a 5-star recruit at edge rusher, Campbell has made the transition to inside linebacker. The move has been such a boon for him that he has seen his draft stock soar.
With Campbell and Georgia's Jalon Walker likely regarded as the top linebackers in this class, it seems like teams who want him won't be able to bank on him lasting very long.
Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 244
- Recruiting: 2022 5-star, No. 21 national, No. 2 EDGE, No. 3 FL
Positives
- Premium athlete who can knife through blockers and make plays in the backfield, has tremendous pursuit and closing speed for a player his size.
- Vice-grip tackler with one of the lowest missed tackle rates among high-end linebacker prospects in this class.
- Has started to flash terrific coverage potential, able to diagnose post-snap and make a play on the ball.
- Potential to be a pass rush weapon, shows terrific initial burst and bend to maintain speed around the edge.
Campbell plays like a hybrid linebacker in the form of Micah Parsons or Haason Reddick. Not only can he make tackles in the open field without breaking a sweat, but he can fire off the edge as a pass rusher. His overall athletic ability, including his explosion off the snap, will be his meal ticket.
Campbell has shown off some very enticing highs in coverage, which could make teams willing to lean into him as a linebacker exclusively if they aren't sold on the hybrid stuff. Just 21 years old, Campbell's best years are ahead of him.
Negatives
- Still learning how to effectively play zone coverage inside, will often be fooled by misdirection and play fakes.
- Not the best with disengaging from blocks, can get washed out of a play if longer-limbed tackles get their hands on him.
- Wins primarily on speed and overall athletic ability as a rusher, will need to develop counters and pass rush moves
Campbell is a bit of a wild card, as his lack of time as a traditional inside linebacker could make him a "jack of all trades, master of none" in the eyes of many teams. His ability to cover ground could be phenomenal, but he isn't the sharpest in this area right now.
Teams may be willing to use Campbell's speed when they want extra situational pass rushers, but his ability to blow by tackles is the only arrow in his quiver that will work against professional tackles early in his career. He needs to develop his plan of attack here.
Jihaad Campbell NFL Player Comparison: Zack Baun
The Eagles got the best out of Baun, who was finally able to emerge as the hybrid linebacker with elite coverage skills the Saints never got to see. Campbell could follow the same developmental timeline.
Jihaad Campbell 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Late 1st Round
Campbell may not be a traditional thumper inside, but his athletic toolbox is so enticing that any halfway decent defensive coordinator could deploy him all over the field and find success. Expect him to see tons of snaps as a rookie.