By Sunday 
Let’s be honest: if you’re an NFL team and you see a linebacker named Jihaad Campbell standing there with Alabama swagger and a scouting report that reads like a Swiss Army knife manual, you stop scrolling. For the Detroit Lions—yes, the same team that took a linebacker in the first round in 2023 despite internet outrage—this could be déjà boom.
“Mr. Can-Do-It-All” in a Linebacker’s Body
There aren’t many prospects like Jihaad Campbell in the 2025 draft pool. He’s fast, versatile, and plays like someone who built his Madden character on cheat codes. The man doesn’t just play linebacker—he is linebacker.
At the NFL Combine, Campbell described himself with impressive confidence:
“I feel like I’m Mr. Can-Do-It-All. I can blitz through the A-gap, I can come off the edge, I can play middle run on Tampa 2, I can drop, strong hook, hook curl, whatever you want me to do.”
Sir, we’d like all of that, please.
A Saban Project Turned Defensive Swiss Army Knife
Originally recruited out of high school as an edge rusher, Campbell got a quick crash course in linebacker life under none other than Nick Saban. According to Campbell, the convo went something like this:
“Coming to Alabama, I had to meet with Saban… he was like, ‘yeah man, can he play Will linebacker?’ And I’m like, ‘yeah.’ Mind you, I don’t even know what that position is.”
Fake it ‘til you tackle it.
That leap of faith led Campbell to dominate in multiple positions—inside, outside, and upside the heads of opposing offenses. By the end of his time in Tuscaloosa, Campbell led Alabama in tackles (117), tackles for loss (11.5), sacks (5), and forced fumbles (2). Not too shabby for a guy who didn’t know what a Will linebacker was.
So… Why Might He Be Available at Pick 28?
Great question. First, linebacker isn’t exactly a sexy position in Round 1 draft logic, unless you’re the Lions, who famously said “LOL, OK” to positional value and picked Jack Campbell in 2023. That worked out just fine, thanks.
Second, Jihaad’s coming off labrum surgery. That might spook some teams. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Brad Holmes, it’s that he doesn’t mind raising an eyebrow or two on Draft Night.
And lastly, there’s scheme fit. Not every defense has room for a do-it-all linebacker with edge-rushing roots and developing off-ball instincts. But the Lions? They need that chaos energy.
Kelvin Sheppard’s New Toy?
With Kelvin Sheppard stepping into the DC role—a guy who literally played linebacker in the NFL—this could be a match made in blitz-heavy heaven. Sheppard knows the ropes, and he could mold Jihaad into an all-seasons, play-everywhere linebacker.
Need help stopping the run? Campbell will smash anything that moves.
Want some edge rush heat when Hutchinson sits? He’s got you.
Need a third-down terror? Campbell: “Coach feeling froggy, put me on the edge and go get the quarterback.”
The Lions’ Campbellite Vision Board
Let’s also acknowledge the real reason Detroit should draft Jihaad Campbell: to add another Campbell to the unit. Pair him with Jack Campbell and Coach Dan Campbell, and you’ve got yourself a Campbell Trifecta—basically the Avengers of physicality and football grit.
Bonus? Chaos for the jersey printers and opposing offenses alike.
So, Brad Holmes… we know you like your linebackers spicy, unpredictable, and slightly against the grain. Jihaad Campbell is that—and more. Don’t overthink it. Draft the guy, unleash the Campbell chaos, and let the linebackers ride.
Detroit: assemble your cavalry.