As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell has been one of the most intriguing defensive prospects. A dominant force on the field, Campbell’s combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him a consensus top-20 pick.
The big question is: Will teams still be willing to gamble on his undeniable talent, or will the unknown push him down the board?
Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell, The Crimson Tide Star in the Making
Before we dive into his draft stock, let’s take a step back and appreciate the player that Jihaad Campbell is. Hailing from Erial, New Jersey, Campbell made a name for himself at Timber Creek High School before transferring to the prestigious IMG Academy. As a five-star recruit, his potential was evident from day one.
His early days at Alabama were spent learning behind some of the best defenders in the nation. But by 2023, Campbell had emerged as a key piece of the Crimson Tide’s defense. He took over as the starting linebacker in 2024 and put together a season that turned heads.
On top of that, he racked up 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, and countless highlight-reel plays. Campbell was an absolute tackling machine, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and cementing himself as one of the top linebackers in the country.
#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
For most of the 2024 season, he was a projected top-15 pick. Then, the injury bug struck.
Injuries are a cruel part of football, and Campbell unfortunately got a taste of that reality this offseason. While details have been scarce, reports suggest that he suffered a lower-body injury during training.
Before the injury, Campbell was ranked as the No. 2 linebacker in the class and projected as a top-20 pick. Now, there’s a growing possibility that he slides into the late first round—or even the early second.
Medical evaluations will play a huge role in determining where he lands. Others may decide to pass in favor of a safer bet. The NFL Combine medical re-checks in April will be critical in answering some of these questions.
Potential Landing Spots
Even with the injury concern, there’s no doubt that Campbell is an elite talent. Here are a few teams that could roll the dice on him:
New England Patriots (Pick No. 17)
With a new head coach in Mike Vrabel and a defense-first philosophy, the Patriots could take a chance on Campbell if his medical reports check out. New England has a history of finding value in linebackers who fit their hybrid defensive schemes.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pick No. 19)
Tampa Bay needs help at linebacker, and Campbell’s physical style of play fits well with Todd Bowles’ aggressive defensive approach. If his recovery timeline aligns with the season, this could be a great landing spot.
San Francisco 49ers (Pick No. 21)
San Francisco is always looking to add depth to its linebacker corps, and Campbell could learn behind Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. If his injury isn’t a long-term concern, the Niners might see this as a steal.
Baltimore Ravens (Pick No. 30)
The Ravens are known for taking risks on injured players who have high upside. If Campbell falls this far, Baltimore might not hesitate to snatch him up.
Just a month ago, he was a surefire top-15 pick. Now, uncertainty looms over his draft status.
One thing is clear: Campbell has the skills and the mindset to be a game-changer at the next level. If his medical evaluations come back positive, he could still hear his name called in the first round. If not, some lucky team in the second round could end up with a major steal.
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