Jihaad Campbell NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Alabama LB

HEIGHT: 6'3"

WEIGHT: 244

POSITIVES

— Good size for a modern NFL linebacker.

— Pretty good speed and explosion/acceleration to help his range against the run and close in coverage.

— He also shows good eye discipline and can read the quarterback's eyes to tighten windows, combined with his athleticism.

— Moves backward well to drop deep in coverage or recover and get to his landmark against play-action passes.

— Solid at using his athletic ability to make offensive linemen miss on the second level.

— Sure tackler who wraps up and breaks down in space to make open-field tackles, had very few misses in college.

— Decent motor, bend and long-arm move as a pass-rusher or blitzer, has some position versatility to line up on the edge as well as off-ball.

NEGATIVES

— As a run defender, he falls for the eye candy and can get caught out of position.

— Doesn't take on blocks with his hands consistently, will get swallowed up by offensive linemen in the NFL when he can't make them miss.

— Lacks lower body strength to hold his ground against the run, and has shown struggles against good run-blocking tight ends.

— Tackles with high pad level, leading to extra yards after contact against physical running backs.

— Lacks discipline in coverage on scramble drills, he will leave his man early and give up explosive plays.

NOTES

— DOB: Feb. 24, 2004

— Injuries: 2023 (Knee, scoped missed 1 game)

— 5-star recruit in the 2022 class as an EDGE, per 247Sports

— 2024: First-Team All-SEC

OVERALL

Jihaad Campbell had a highly productive season with over 100 total tackles to generate some NFL Draft buzz this fall. He's a young linebacker--will be just 21 years old when drafted- who has plenty of potential due to his combination of age, size, and athletic ability.

Campbell moves very well to be effective in coverage, especially when playing zone. He shows good eye discipline to locate threats coming into his area and can read the quarterback's eyes to tighten throwing windows. He also has the change of direction and acceleration to break and close on routes to make tackles for short gains or get PBUs.

Against the run, the Alabama product could benefit from some more experience as he still struggles against eye candy. Also, he has issues staying in his gap when taking on blocks from offensive linemen and good blocking tight ends. That's partially due to inconsistencies with his use of hands, but he has long arms to get off blocks when he does get his hands up.

Campbell also has some position versatility as the Crimson Tide would have him lineup on the edge and rush the passer. He adds value as a pass-rusher, both on the edge and as a blitzer, and thus would be best playing for a creative defensive coordinator who uses him at multiple spots at the next level.

GRADE: 7.8 (Potential Impact Player — 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 33

POSITION RANK: LB2

PRO COMPARISON: Tremaine Edmunds

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.