It is Bama boys day as we continue to load up the big board for the Arizona Cardinals.
We looked at the big offensive lineman from Alabama earlier today, and now we take a look at the one of the most intriguing linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jihaad Campbell came in at 6-3 and 235lbs, with a great wingspan and tested like a freak athlete for the linebacker position.
The question becomes, what does Campbell do for the Arizona Cardinals immediately?
Some thoughts from Lance Zierlein:
He doesn’t play with early instincts or play recognition and is inconsistent in challenging blockers and leveraging his run fits... He’s a rangy, consistent open-field tackler who excels on third downs as a fluid blitzer and impressive cover talent. The elite traits and athletic talent will be tantalizing, but the best way to utilize him might be as a full-time 3-4 rush linebacker, where he can play more proactively instead of reactively as an off-ball linebacker.
From Bleacher Report:
Against the run, the Alabama product could benefit from some more experience as he still struggles against eye candy. Also, he has issues staying in his gap when taking on blocks from offensive linemen and good blocking tight ends... Campbell moves very well to be effective in coverage, especially when playing zone. He shows good eye discipline to locate threats coming into his area and can read the quarterback’s eyes to tighten throwing windows. He also has the change of direction and acceleration to break and close on routes to make tackles for short gains or get PBUs.
From PFF:
Campbell has the ideal build and athletic ability to play any linebacker spot, but he projects best to a Mike or Sam LB in 4-3 schemes or a Mike/EDGE in a 3-4. He must continue to develop anticipation and strength, but he has the mold of an All-Pro player.
So, is Campbell a player that comes in and is a rotational type early while he develops some more instincts reading the run game, especially in the NFC West, or is the Gannon/Rallis scheme that has yielded strong results from players like T.J. Edwards, Kyzir White, and Mack Wilson Sr. that they can get him up to speed immediately?
Campbell is an intriguing prospect who the Arizona Cardinals could use at either the Mike or Edge position, but where does he fit best?