Will Zaire Franklin and Jihaad Campbell become an elite linebacker duo? Wait a minute, those two aren\u2019t teammates. But they can be if the Indianapolis Colts take Alabama\u2019s Campbell in the 2025 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n
The Colts own the 14th overall pick. Most <\/span>mock drafts have the team selecting either Penn State\u2019s Tyler Warren<\/a> or Michigan\u2019s Colston Loveland<\/a>. And that makes a ton of sense, seeing that Indy needs a playmaking tight end.<\/p>\n However, Warren will likely be gone before pick No. 14. And who knows, Loveland might not be around, either. Even if one or both players are available, the Colts could still draft Campbell instead.<\/p>\n Linebacker is also a need for Indianapolis. Earlier this offseason, the team lost both E.J. Speed and Grant Stuard in free agency. Speed signed<\/a> with the division rival Houston Texans while\u00a0Stuard went to the Detroit Lions<\/a>.<\/p>\n Drafting a tight end in the first round isn\u2019t necessarily imperative. The Colts could land one later on in the draft. Someone like Bowling Green\u2019s Harold Fannin Jr.<\/a> or LSU\u2019s Mason Taylor would be a great selection.<\/p>\n A Franklin-Campbell duo would be intriguing, though. But will it happen?<\/p>\n Franklin played his college ball at Syracuse. He recorded 311 tackles during his four-year career.<\/p>\n Indianapolis then drafted<\/a> Franklin in the seventh round (235th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He later became one of the biggest steals in Colts history. The Philadelphia native has had an impressive journey, going from a special teams contributor to one of the league\u2019s top linebackers.<\/p>\n 2024 marked the third straight season Franklin had over 160 tackles. He recorded 167 in 2022, and a franchise-record 179 in 2023. Last season, he led the league with 173 and was selected to his first-ever Pro Bowl.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Originally committed to playing college football at Clemson, Campbell chose the University of Alabama. He played three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Last year, Campbell recorded 117 combined tackles (12 tackles for loss), five sacks, an interception, two pass breakups, and a pair of forced fumbles. For his efforts, he was named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award<\/a>, recognizing the top defender in college football. Campbell was also a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation\u2019s best linebacker. In addition. he was a First-Team All-SEC selection.<\/p>\n The Colts\u2019 defense struggled mightily last season. Indianapolis is hoping new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo<\/a> can help turn things around in 2025.<\/p>\nJihaad Campbell and Zaire Franklin Could Form an Outstanding Linebacker Duo for the Indianapolis Colts<\/h2>\n
Frankin\u2019s Career<\/h3>\n
Campbell\u2019s Career<\/h3>\n
Improved Colts Defense<\/h3>\n