Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 12/02/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.52 seconds (92%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Age: 20.9 DOB: 02/24/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | |
Last Updated: 12/02/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2025 | |
40 time: 4.52 seconds (92%*) | |
Age: 20.9 DOB: 02/24/2004 | |
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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Overall Rating: | 86.8 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
Offense Rating: |
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80% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
Tackling: |
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92% |
Pass Rush: |
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80% |
Run Defense: |
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81% |
Coverage: |
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84% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Mid
Overall Rank:
#40
Position rank:
#2
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College Games: 26 College Snaps: 1268 | ||
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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Payton Wilson - NC State |
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85% |
Edgerrin Cooper - Texas A&M |
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82% |
Junior Colson - Michigan |
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81% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Campbell's football journey began in Erial, New Jersey, where he starred at Timber Creek High School before transferring to IMG Academy for his senior year. A five-star recruit, Campbell was the top-ranked edge rusher in his class according to multiple recruiting services. He chose Alabama over Clemson, Florida, Georgia, and Texas A&M.At Alabama, Campbell quickly made his mark. In 2023, he recorded 66 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 3 pass breakups across 13 games. His standout performance came against Tennessee, where he returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown, earning national player of the week honors. Campbell's impact continued into 2024, as he led Alabama with 28 tackles through the first four games of the season.
Initially recruited as an edge rusher, Campbell has showcased his versatility throughout his college career. He's excelled both as an off-ball linebacker and on the edge, demonstrating an ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His development at Alabama has solidified his status as a key component of the Crimson Tide's defense.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Sideline-to-sideline range with elite straight-line speed for the position, allowing him to be a factor in pursuit and coverage
- Scheme-diverse defender capable of playing SAM, WILL, or rushing off the edge, offering valuable personnel flexibility
- Fluid hips and loose lower body, enabling him to flip and run with backs and tight ends in man coverage
- Reliable wrap-up tackler who breaks down well in space and rarely lets ball carriers slip away
- Diagnostics are above average, showing the ability to quickly read and react to play development
- Displays good bend and burst when rushing the passer, with the potential to be an effective blitzer at the next level
- Natural leader who commanded the Alabama defense as an underclassman
- Core special teamer with production in the third phase, increasing his day-one value to NFL teams
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Tweener frame may cause some teams to hesitate on his optimal position fit in their scheme
- Stack-and-shed technique needs refinement, particularly when taking on offensive linemen at the point of attack
- Occasionally takes false steps or overruns his gap, leading to vulnerability against misdirection plays
- Pass rush toolbox is limited, relying more on athleticism than technique to win one-on-one matchups
- Play strength is adequate but not elite, potentially limiting his effectiveness against pro-caliber blockers
Scouting Report: Summary
A freakish athlete with rare physical tools, Campbell brings a prototype skill set to the modern linebacker position. His elite speed and explosiveness allow him to be a heat-seeking missile in pursuit and a matchup nightmare in coverage. Campbell's ability to play in space, drop into coverage, and occasionally rush the passer makes him a defensive coordinator's dream in today's pass-happy NFL.Campbell's scheme versatility is a major selling point. His athletic profile allows him to excel in multiple roles, from a traditional off-ball linebacker to an edge rusher in sub-packages. He's tailor-made for a multiple front defense that emphasizes speed and flexibility in its second level.
While his instincts and block-shedding technique are still developing, Campbell's athletic traits give him a high ceiling. His immediate impact on special teams will get him on the field early, while his versatility should earn him defensive snaps in specific packages. As he refines his technical skills and football acumen to match his physical gifts, Campbell has the potential to develop into a dynamic three-down linebacker.
How other scouting services rate Jihaad Campbell (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
47.4
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
2.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.