Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/16/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.52 seconds (92%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.11 DOB: 02/24/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | |
| Last Updated: 02/16/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.52 seconds (92%*) | |
| Age: 20.11 DOB: 02/24/2004 | |
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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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93% |
| Pass Rush: |
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80% |
| Run Defense: |
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84% |
| Coverage: |
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83% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Early
Overall Rank:
#39
Position rank:
#2
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| College Games: 27 College Snaps: 1314 | ||
ESPN RATING: 87/100
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247 RATING: 98/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Payton Wilson - NC State |
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83% |
| Junior Colson - Michigan |
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82% |
| Edgerrin Cooper - Texas A&M |
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78% |
Draft Profile: Bio
The defensive evolution of Jihaad Campbell started at Timber Creek Regional in New Jersey, where he dominated as both a receiver and defensive end, hauling in 15 catches for 249 yards while racking up seven sacks in his junior season. His decision to transfer to IMG Academy for his senior year proved pivotal, as former NFL linebacker Pepper Johnson refined Campbell's raw tools into a more polished defensive weapon. That development, combined with his elite recruiting status, made him one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the country.After initially committing to Clemson, Campbell found his home at Alabama, where his progression from special teams ace to defensive centerpiece unfolded methodically. A knee scope cost him the 2023 opener, but he battled back to start eight games that season, flashing the versatility that would become his calling card. The 2024 campaign saw Campbell explode onto the national scene, piling up 117 tackles (fifth in the SEC) with 11.5 for loss and five sacks. His performance against LSU in Death Valley - 10 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble - showcased the complete package he'd become.
The accolades flowed in 2024 - Second-team All-American selections from multiple outlets and First-team All-SEC honors from the conference coaches validated his leap forward. His emergence as one of college football's most versatile defenders culminated in semifinalist nods for both the Bednarik and Butkus Awards. Most telling was his consistency in the biggest moments - 11 tackles against Michigan in the playoff, 12 stops versus Oklahoma, and that dominant showing in Baton Rouge.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Explosive first step jumps off the tape - watch him knife through the A-gap against LSU, leaving their protection scheme in shambles on his way to a drive-killing sack
- Coverage instincts are advanced for a converted edge player - his interception against Georgia showed exceptional route recognition from zone drop
- Brings serious pop as a tackler while maintaining efficiency - only 5.5% missed tackle rate in 2024 and consistently delivers the message on contact
- Multifaceted weapon who creates matchup problems - spent 20+ snaps each at MIKE, WILL, and edge spots against Tennessee and Missouri
- Rare closing speed for a 244-pounder - his pursuit angle on the scoop-and-score against Tennessee was a masterclass in acceleration
- Uses 6'3" frame and long arms to disrupt passing lanes - broke up multiple quick games against Michigan by getting his mitts up in throwing lanes
- Shows natural timing as a blitzer - his delayed pressure against South Carolina caused a game-changing strip sack in the fourth quarter
- Developmental arc points up - youngest linebacker in the class with demonstrable improvement each season at Alabama
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Over-aggression creates vulnerability against misdirection - bit hard on multiple play-action fakes against Auburn, creating explosive play opportunities
- Still developing hand usage when stack-and-shed is required - top offensive linemen at LSU and Michigan were able to latch and control
- Pad level rises when tackling in space - allowed extra yards after contact against physical SEC backs who could drive through arm tackles
- Will abandon zone landmarks early when quarterbacks scramble - gave up two big plays against Missouri trying to chase their mobile QB
- Pass rush plan needs expansion - currently wins primarily with speed and bend, struggled when forced to counter against better SEC tackles
Scouting Report: Summary
After extensive film study of Campbell's 2024 season, his impact potential jumps off the screen. His usage at Alabama - particularly in their simulated pressure packages - showcases a dynamic defender who can wreck offensive game plans from multiple alignments. The LSU game exemplified his playmaking ceiling: perfectly timed A-gap pressures, explosive range against screens, and the athleticism to match up in coverage. While he occasionally struggled when linemen got square to him, his ability to slip blocks and close space made him a constant threat.Modern defensive systems that emphasize second-level pressure and multiple fronts will get an immediate impact player with Pro Bowl upside. His performances against Tennessee and Missouri highlight why he's a top-40 prospect - seamlessly dropping into Tampa-2 zones, timing up delayed blitzes, and showing the processing speed to diagnose plays quickly. Yes, he'll need to continue developing his block-shedding technique and coverage discipline against play-action, but his current skill set already translates to significant defensive value.
The tape shows a 21-year-old defender playing with veteran savvy in crucial moments. That fourth quarter against Auburn was telling - after biting on an early play-action, he adjusted and proceeded to blow up three straight screen attempts with textbook diagnosis and explosive closing speed. His combination of youth, elite physical traits, and steep development curve points to a future defensive cornerstone. In a league where offensive innovation forces defenses to constantly adapt, Campbell brings the scheme versatility and explosive athleticism to be a difference-maker by year two.
Update - 02/16/2025
payHow other scouting services rate Jihaad Campbell (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
35.1
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.