Arizona Cardinals fans are a bit gun shy when it comes to adding inside linebackers in the first round of NFL Drafts.
That’ll happen after using first-round picks in back-to-back years on inside linebacker prospects who have since moved to another position or off the roster completely.
The Zaven Collins-Isaiah Simmons experiment wasn’t all that long ago. The concern is justified.
But is 2025 the year where fans can actually feel good about adding an inside linebacker with a first-round pick?
It’s not the worst move to make given Arizona’s current makeup, especially if it falls in line with The Athletic analyst Ben Standig’s latest mock draft.
At No. 16 overall, Standig has the Cardinals landing Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell.
Campbell would be the best player available at this spot. The explosive linebacker with a mature mindset should make a smooth transition as a pass rusher and in coverage. There’s some temptation here to go receiver for a high-octane pairing with Marvin Harrison Jr., or cornerback.
While many have viewed defensive line or pass rusher as the best way the Cardinals could utilize their first-round pick for most of the offseason, bringing in a potential cornerstone at inside linebacker could go a long way.
Arizona went to work this offseason adding legit free agents at defensive line and pass rusher with the signings of Dalvin Tomlinson and Josh Sweat.
And while the Cardinals inked a pair of inside linebackers in Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mykal Walker, one name they haven’t brought back is MIKE backer Kyzir White.
A two-time captain, White has brought stability and physicality to the middle of the defense but could be on the outside looking in when it comes to a potential reunion between the two sides.
If that’s the case, adding in a young prospect like Campbell could have its benefits now and in the future.
Because much like Mack Wilson Sr., Campbell brings with him tons of versatility.
Not only does Campbell present the ability to fill gaps and cover, the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder also has a knack for getting after the quarterback.
In his final season at Alabama, Campbell racked up 117 tackles, an interception, five sacks and two forced fumbles in 13 games played.
Jihaad Campbell could help round out Cardinals’ inside linebackers room
Arizona’s inside linebackers room currently includes Wilson, Davis-Gaither, Walker and Owen Pappoe.
Wilson is expected to return to his starting role, while Davis-Gaither, Walker and Pappoe figure to compete for the other starting role.