The NFL's next elite hybrid linebacker just declared for the 2025 NFL Draft as likely first-round pick
Plenty of drama has been made around positional value in the NFL Draft, with most of the conversation centered around running backs and linebackers. The validity of these statements is still hotly debated, and I would expect that debate to feature prominently over the next few months over the 2025 NFL Draft. One player who […]
Plenty of drama has been made around positional value in the NFL Draft, with most of the conversation centered around running backs and linebackers. The validity of these statements is still hotly debated, and I would expect that debate to feature prominently over the next few months over the 2025 NFL Draft.
One player who will be debated is Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.
I'm with Dane Brugler on this one. The debate centered around positional value here should fall to the side, in my opinion, because Jihaad Campbell is a bonafide first-round caliber prospect. Don't get caught up in what position he plays. Instead, focus on how he plays the position.
Jihaad Campbell is the prototypical modern NFL linebacker, capable of executing a variety of responsibilities with ease. Need an every-down WILL? He can do that. Need a middle runner at MIKE for Tampa 2? He's there, no problem. Want a player to come off the edge at SAM? He's done it before (former edge rusher).
He's an elite athlete however you want to stack it. He has the speed to go sideline-to-sideline with ease. Want him to drop back? He's a fluid mover who changes direction well. His first step is explosive and he can get to the quarterback as a blitzer in a second.
I've been wracking my brain to try and think of a current player comparison for Campbell, but what he offers is a pretty rare skillset in an age of poor linebacker play. He's a throwback prospect to a bygone age of hybrid linebackers. Campbell feels very similar to the likes of Jamie Collins and K.J. Wright, who were dynamic players capable of going from role-to-role seamlessly. His only schematic limitation is the creativity of his defensive coordinator at the next level.
With the rise in prominence of hybrid fronts, simulated pressures, creepers, and the like, Jihaad Campbell's ability to handle multiple roles well makes him a true chess piece to move around the formation and disguise responsibilities with. I cannot imagine the kind of havoc a coach like Brian Flores could get away with if he had a player like Campbell at his disposal.
They just don't make players like Campbell anymore. Linebackers with this kind of versatility went the way of the dodo as college defenses evolved to combat the super spread and RPOs. Finding a true three-down linebacker that isn't a project is rare enough as is. Finding a linebacker you can play all over like Campbell? Even more so.
The NFL has a talent dearth at linebacker across the board. The quality of play at that position has fallen off hard over the last decade or so. It's no surprise teams switched to gap and power runs to take advantage of confusing linebackers and began hammering teams across the middle of the field in the passing game.
For that reason, I find it hard to believe he slips out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. I would not be shocked if he's taken well ahead of projection once the actual draft kicks off. In a draft lacking a lot of blue-chip talent, Campbell's unique skillset and traits stand out as worthwhile building blocks. I find it hard to believe he falls very far as teams start to rebuild their defense to combat modern NFL offenses.
Don't let things like positional value and such dissuade you when making his evaluation.
