My List of Top 10 Linebackers in 2025 Draft [OP updated]

I read through several of Jihaad Campbell's analysis' and these analysts see him as a box linebacker, playing inside-linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. I see him a little differently. Campbell has experience at all three linebacker spots. He could be an excellent off-ball linebacker as a WILL or SAM, he also has some experience as a MLB and playing on the edge. He would be a very good inside-linebacker in a 3-4. I believe a lot of his talents would be wasted in a 3-4 defensive scheme.

#7- Jihaad Campbell- (LB) Alabama (6'3"/244#)

Campbell has sideline to sideline range with elite straight-line speed for the linebacker position, Allowing him to be a factor in pursuit and in coverage. He is a scheme-diverse defender capable of playing all three linebacker positions and rushing off the edge, Offering valuable personnel flexibility. Campbell has fluid hips and loose lower body, enabling him to flip and run with backs and TE's in man coverage. He's a reliable wrap-up tackler who breaks down very well in space and rarely ever lets ball carriers slip away. His diagnostic skills are above average, showing the ability to quickly read and react to play development. He displays good bend and burst when rushing the passer, with the potential to be an effective blitzer at the next level. Campbell is a natural leader who commanded the defense as an underclassman. He's a core special teamer with production in the third phase, increasing his day-one value to NFL teams.
Campbell's tweener frame might cause some teams to hesitate on his optimal position fit in their scheme. His stack and shed technique needs refinement, particularly when taking on O-Linemen at the point of attack. He can occasionally take false steps or overruns his gap, leading leading to vulnerability against misdirection plays. Campbell needs to expand his pass rush repertoire, He tends to rely more on his athleticism than technique to win one-on-one matchups. While his play strength is good it is not quite elite, he still needs to develop more play strength.
Campbell is a freakish athlete with rare physical tools, he brings a prototype skillset 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 for me. 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.