The Indianapolis Colts need to address the linebacker position. Therefore, taking Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell in the 2025 NFL Draft makes sense.
Indianapolis owns the 14th overall pick in April’s draft. Perhaps most Colts fans want the team to take tight end Tyler Warren. The former Penn State star could blossom into a big-time contributor in the Hoosier State. He could instantly provide the Colts’ quarterback (whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones) with another offensive weapon to work with.
However, Warren will likely be off the board at pick No. 14. That means the Colts might have to go in a different direction with their first-round selection. Jihaad Campbell could be the guy.
The Indianapolis Colts Could Select Jihaad Campbell in the 2025 NFL Draft
His Career Thus Far
Jihaad Campbell attended Timber Creek Regional High School in Erial, New Jersey for three years. He then transferred to IMG Academy, located in Bradenton, Florida. Campbell played wide receiver and defensive end during his senior year at IMG Academy. That season, he caught 15 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns. He recorded 45 tackles and seven sacks on the defensive end of the field.
Originally committed to playing college football at Clemson, Campbell wound up choosing 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, which recognizes the top defender in college football. Campbell was also a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s best linebacker. In addition. he was a First-Team All-SEC selection.
Should the Colts Draft Him?
So far this offseason, the Colts haven’t addressed the tight end position, one of their biggest needs. If Warren isn’t available at No. 14 and they don’t trade up to get him, drafting Jihaad Campbell could be the best option.
Linebacker E.J. Speed is a free agent and likely won’t re-sign with the Colts this spring. Campbell could team with Zaire Franklin to give the team an outstanding linebacker duo in 2025. Jake Arthur of SI.com wrote about this:
“With Tyler Warren off the board, Campbell is another layup pick that fills a big need. The common phrase around new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense is ‘multiple,’ and that’s what Campbell provides. The Colts can have Campbell play off-ball linebacker on early downs alongside Zaire Franklin while he uses his strengths in coverage and rushing the quarterback on passing downs.”
The Colts have improved their defense quite a bit this offseason. They have signed cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Corey Ballentine, safety Camryn Bynum, and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. Adding an immensely talented Jihaad Campbell to the mix would only make Indy’s defense better in 2025. The six-foot-three, 235-pound Campbell has good size for a modern NFL linebacker. He’s a great tackler, who had very few misses during his college career. So yes, the Colts should draft the former Crimson Tide star.
Main Photo: [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman] – USA Today Sports