In the modern NFL, speed and versatility are valued more than ever at the linebacker position. Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell has shown the ability to defend the run and pass at a high level. Coming off a solid performance at the NFL Combine, Campbell is entering first-round conversations. Jihaad Campbell is a high-ceiling athlete whose scouting report shows a potential star at the next level.
Overview, Film Analysis, and 2025 Scouting Report of Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
Measurables
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 235 lbs
Player Background
Jihaad Campbell has been an elite athlete for quite some time. Campbell spent the first three years of high school in Erial, New Jersey, before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior year. At IMG, Campbell starred at both defensive end and wide receiver. He drew attention from colleges across the nation, earning 32 scholarship offers. 247Sports ranked Campbell as a five-star prospect and their number-two EDGE defender in the 2022 recruiting class. Campbell chose to attend Alabama over schools like Georgia, Texas A&M, and Clemson.
At Alabama, Jihaad Campbell has had to wait his turn. After hardly seeing the field in his freshman season, he switched positions to become an off-ball linebacker. As a sophomore, Campbell carved out a role for himself in Alabama’s defense, tallying 66 total tackles. In his junior season, Campbell led the team in tackles with 119, along with five sacks and two forced fumbles. After earning second-team All-American honors, he decided to forego his senior season and enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
Strengths
Jihaad Campbell’s fairly recent switch from EDGE defender to off-ball linebacker is both a sign of his greatest strengths and the root of his greatest weaknesses. He shows exceptional speed for the position, especially when moving from sideline to sideline. Campbell has a very high motor and rarely gives up on plays. When his instincts are a step behind where they should be, he has the speed to recover. He is an excellent blitzer and can play off the edge in obvious passing situations.
Considering his limited time at the position, Jihaad Campbell shows impressive coverage skills. He can drop quickly in Tampa 2 looks while keeping his eyes in the backfield. His large frame allows him to play the ball in the air at a high level. Campbell is an excellent tackler, both in space and in tight areas.
Weaknesses
As previously mentioned, most of Campbell’s weaknesses stem from his limited experience as an off-ball linebacker. His reactions can be late at times, and he can get fooled by motion, play-action, and misdirection. Campbell plays with a high pad level at times, which limits his ability to react quickly. However, with experience at the position, these issues should become less prevalent.
Potential Team Fits
NFL Projection
Jihaad Campbell is an uber-athletic linebacker capable of playing off the ball or on the edge. With limited time playing off the ball at Alabama, Campbell is still a project in many ways. However, his instincts and natural abilities make him a project worth taking on for any linebacker-needy team. Campbell will be able to make an immediate impact as a blitzer, but he may take time to develop in coverage. He would fit well with a team that has starting-caliber linebackers already rostered. Campbell projects as a late-first-round talent, but he may fall due to positional value.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
