Jihaad Campbell NFL Draft 2025: Top 3 landing spots for Alabama LB ft. TB Buccaneers 

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell has declared for the NFL draft. He is considered among the top linebackers in next April’s draft after breaking out as one of the school’s best defenders in 2024.

Campbell led the Crimson Tide with 117 tackles and five sacks. He is a rangy linebacker able to make plays all over the field. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has him as the second-best linebacker available, behind Georgia’s Jalon Walker.

Pro Football Focus also has Jihaad Campbell behind Walker. He is also the No. 43 player on their board.

The 6-foot-4 junior, 244-pound junior is a sure tackler and can cover tight ends. He can struggle to get out of blocks and will occasionally be over-aggressive and give up big plays.

At 21 years old when the draft takes place, Campbell is also young enough to become a franchise cornerstone.

While linebackers are seldom picked at the top of the draft, Campbell is expected to go somewhere between the first and second rounds.

Here are some of the potential top landing spots for the Alabama product.

Top 3 potential landing spots for Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell

#3. Atlanta Falcons

It has been a disappointing season in Atlanta. The Falcons were expected to leap in 2024, but have struggled on both sides of the ball. While the offense has enough playmakers to turn it around in 2025, the defense needs more talent, especially in the front seven.

Kaden Ellis is a strong starter at one linebacker spot, but Jihaad Campbell could start on the other. Atlanta didn’t address the inside linebacker spot until the fifth round in the draft.

And while pass rushing is their biggest need, adding another rangy linebacker with solid coverage skills should also help Raheem Morris’ defense. Atlanta still seems on the verge of contending and Jihad Campbell would fill an immediate need.

#2. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are adept at finding defensive replacements through the draft or low-cost free agents. With Nick Bolton expected to leave in free agency, Jihaad Campbell could be an ideal replacement.

The Alabama product has good range and is solid in coverage. While Campbell struggles to get off blockers at times, the Kansas City defensive line is solid, which could free him to make plays in the backfield.

He would also fill a need for a perennial contender, which is optimum for a player as young as Campbell. He could become a fixture in an elite unit for years to come.

#1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Lavonte David and KJ Britt entering free agency, the Buccaneers need to fill their linebacker spots. David is 35 years old, so even if he goes back to Tampa, he’s not a long-term answer.

Tampa Bay has a strong offense, but the defense has been inconsistent. The Bucs have a big defensive line that can free linebackers to make plays.

Drafting Jihaad Campbell would allow the Bucs to have a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. If David comes back, he could serve as a mentor for Campbell. If he doesn’t, the former Crimson Tide could step on the field and help the team immediately.