Jihaad Campbell, a junior from Erial, New Jersey, emerged as a standout for the Crimson Tide in 2024, finishing with 117 tackles—fifth in the SEC—along with 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks over 13 games. He also notched two forced fumbles, an interception he returned for 24 yards, and two quarterback hurries.
Known for his explosiveness, Campbell recorded a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and a 127-inch broad jump at the NFL Combine.
Draft Outlook: Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell a Versatile Prospect, Recovering From Surgery
Born Feb. 24, 2004, in Erial, New Jersey, Campbell began his high school football career at Timber Creek Regional before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. He originally committed to Clemson but ultimately signed with Alabama, where he has flourished in a variety of roles on defense.
During his junior campaign, Campbell tallied 117 tackles—again ranking fifth in the SEC—along with 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
His ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage earned him first-team All-SEC recognition. At the NFL Combine, he posted a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and a 10-foot-7 broad jump, demonstrating high-end athletic traits.
Following the Combine, ESPN’s Jordan Reid reported that Campbell underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
#Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell confirmed to us on @SECNetwork that he had surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder following the NFL Scouting Combine.
My No. 14 overall ranked player.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 19, 2025
The timing of the injury is unclear, as Campbell appeared in all 13 games for Alabama last season. He was later seen wearing a shoulder brace during the school’s pro day on March 19.
The procedure is not expected to drastically affect his draft stock, though teams are expected to take a closer look at his medical evaluations.
Campbell is still viewed as a potential first-round pick. ESPN’s Field Yates recently projected him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 19 overall—a team potentially seeking a successor to veteran linebacker Lavonte David, who could serve as a mentor.
Campbell emphasized his versatility at the NFL Combine, calling himself “Mr. Can Do It All.”
“I feel as though I’m Mr. Can Do It All,” Campbell said at the NFL Combine in late February. “I’m a Swiss Army knife as they like to say. I can blitz through the A gap, I can come off the edge, I can play middle runner Tampa 2 … I can play man-to-man on a receiver, tight end, running back. Anything.”
Standing 6’3″ and weighing 235 pounds, Campbell said he takes particular pride in his coverage skills—especially in zone schemes like Tampa 2.
“Might sound a little different, but I love to show my versatility when I’m in coverage playing Tampa 2,” he said. “They think a big guy like me can’t cover those guys going down the field vertically, so I think that’s one of my biggest games”
“And obviously rushing the passer for sure.”
MORE: Latest CSN 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Campbell will surely be a name to watch as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
