You can’t watch Alabama’s 2024 defensive tape without seeing number 11 flying around. It’s impossible. Jihaad Campbell isn't just a linebacker; he's more like a defensive coordinator’s favorite cheat code. If you’ve been following the draft cycle, you know the buzz has been building for a while, and honestly, it’s for good reason. He’s that rare breed of athlete who was recruited as a five-star edge rusher but ended up becoming one of the most productive off-ball linebackers in the country.
When people talk about a Jihaad Campbell scouting report, they usually start with the "Swiss Army Knife" label. It’s a cliché, sure, but it fits. He finished his 2024 season with 117 tackles, 5 sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles. Those aren't just empty stats. They represent a guy who can blitz the A-gap on one play and then stick to a tight end 20 yards downfield on the next.
The Philadelphia Eagles clearly saw the vision, snagging him at the end of the first round in the 2025 draft. They didn't just get a linebacker; they got a 6-foot-3, 235-pound athlete with 4.52 speed who can fundamentally change how they match up against modern NFL offenses.
The Physical Profile and That Freakish Combine
Let’s get into the weeds of the numbers because they are actually kind of ridiculous. At the NFL Combine, Campbell didn't just "test well"—he dominated. He clocked a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, which ranked him third among all linebackers. Even more impressive? His 10-yard split was 1.53 seconds. That’s elite acceleration.
But the real "wow" moment was his broad jump. He cleared 10 feet, 7 inches. That’s 127 inches of pure explosive power. It’s why he’s so dangerous when he decides to trigger downhill. He doesn't just run to the ball; he explodes toward it.
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- Height: 6'2 7/8"
- Weight: 235 lbs
- Arm Length: 32 1/2"
- Hand Size: 10 1/2" (huge for the position)
- Broad Jump: 127" (92nd percentile)
Interestingly, he didn't do the bench press or the vertical jump in Indy, but his 80-inch wingspan is what really matters on the field. It allows him to disrupt passing lanes that most linebackers can't reach. It’s basically like having a small forward playing in the middle of your defense.
Why the Hybrid Label Actually Matters
Most guys called "hybrids" are just "tweeners"—they aren't quite big enough for the edge and aren't quite instinctive enough for the middle. Campbell is different. He actually has the skill set for both. At Alabama, he was frequently used as a 3-4 rush linebacker, where he could use his "burst and bend" to get around tackles.
When he moves off the ball, his range is sideline-to-sideline. Honestly, his ability to scrape over the top of blocks and track down ball carriers in the flat is what makes him a three-down player. You don't have to take him off the field when the opponent goes to a pass-heavy look. In fact, that's when you want him out there the most.
His pass-rush win rate in 2024 was a solid 13.1%. For an off-ball linebacker, that's significant. It means when he’s sent on a blitz, he isn't just running into a guard; he’s winning the rep and affecting the quarterback's timing.
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Strengths That Jump Off the Tape
- Closing Speed: Once he sees the ball, it’s over. His pursuit angles are generally sharp, and he closes the gap between himself and the runner almost instantly.
- Coverage Fluidity: He can flip his hips like a safety. He doesn't look stiff when he has to turn and run with crossers or vertical routes from the slot.
- Versatile Alignment: You can put him at the Mike, the Will, or even have him stand up on the edge. This makes life a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks trying to identify the "Mike" before the snap.
- Relentless Motor: The guy simply does not quit on a play. You’ll see him 20 yards downfield making tackles on plays that should have been over.
The Areas Where He Needs to Grow
No prospect is perfect, and Campbell definitely has some things to iron out. The most common knock against him is his instincts. Because he spent so much time as an edge rusher in high school and early in college, he’s still learning the nuances of "reading and reacting" from the middle.
Sometimes he gets sucked in by play-action. Other times, he takes a false step because he’s trying to anticipate a play rather than just trusting his eyes. He’s very much a "see-ball, get-ball" player right now, which is great for highlights but can lead to mistakes against complex NFL schemes.
There’s also the issue of his pad level. Because he’s a taller, lankier linebacker, he has a tendency to play too high. When he meets a 320-pound guard in the hole, he can get washed out or "trucked" if he doesn't get lower. We saw this a bit in the Vanderbilt game in 2024. He’s got the frame to add more mass—probably up to 245 or 250 lbs eventually—which should help him hold his ground against the run.
The Injury Concern: The Labrum Surgery
Just after the Combine, it came out that Campbell had to undergo surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. While some fans panicked, NFL teams generally don't view this as a long-term red flag. These types of "clean-up" surgeries are fairly common for high-impact players.
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The timing was actually somewhat ideal—he got his testing numbers in, proved his athleticism, and then addressed the lingering issue. It might have contributed to him sliding to the end of the first round rather than the top 15, but his long-term outlook remains unchanged.
Professional Outlook and Comparisons
If you want a comparison, think about Roquan Smith or even a slightly bigger version of Edgerrin Cooper. He has that same "everywhere at once" energy. Some scouts have even pointed to Keith Bulluck, the former Titans legend, because of the height and the ability to play in space.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, the fit is fascinating. General Manager Howie Roseman hasn't taken an off-ball linebacker in the first round since the 70s, which tells you exactly how highly they value Campbell’s specific brand of versatility. He’s the type of player who allows a defense to stay in "base" personnel while effectively playing "nickel" because of his coverage skills.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Blitz: Pay attention to how often his team uses him as a "green dog" (blitzing if his man-coverage assignment stays in to block). His sack production is a real threat.
- The Development Curve: Expect some "rookie moments" where he gets caught out of position on misdirection. His value will skyrocket in years two and three as his processing speed catches up to his physical speed.
- Fantasy Impact: In IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues, Campbell is a goldmine. His high tackle floor combined with his sack and interception potential makes him a Tier 1 rookie target.
Jihaad Campbell is the prototype for what the NFL wants in 2026 and beyond. Teams are moving away from the "thumper" linebackers of the past and looking for athletes who can negate the "positionless" offenses that are taking over the league. Whether he’s chasing down a screen or screaming off the edge, Campbell is going to be a fixture on defensive highlight reels for a long time.
The next step is watching how he integrates into a professional strength and conditioning program. If he can maintain that 4.5 speed while adding 10 pounds of functional muscle, he won't just be a starter—he’ll be a Pro Bowler. Keep an eye on his snap counts early in the season; he's too talented to keep off the field for long.