By Blessing 
Following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and the initial phase of free agency, draft analysts have been updating their mock drafts. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press recently released his latest projection, suggesting the Detroit Lions will adhere to their “best player available” strategy, irrespective of positional needs.
Detroit Lions Select Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
In Birkett’s mock draft, the Lions, holding the 28th overall pick, are projected to select Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Despite linebacker not being a primary area of need, Campbell’s talent and versatility make him an intriguing choice. Birkett notes, “Linebacker is about the least of the Lions’ needs, but Campbell is a top 20 or so prospect with good athletic traits and better production.” He adds that Campbell’s abilities in pass rush and central defense align with General Manager Brad Holmes’ philosophy of prioritizing talent over specific positional requirements.
Jihaad Campbell’s 2024 Performance
During the 2024 season, Campbell demonstrated exceptional performance:
- Games Played: 13
- Total Tackles: 117
- Tackles for Loss: 12
- Sacks: 5
- Interceptions: 1
Considerations for the Lions
The potential selection of Campbell raises discussions about the Lions’ draft strategy. While the team has more pressing needs on the defensive line and offensive line—especially after the departure of guard Kevin Zeitler to the Titans—the “best player available” approach has been a cornerstone of Holmes’ tenure. This strategy emphasizes acquiring top talent, trusting that positional needs will balance out over time. If Campbell is available at pick No. 28, his dynamic defensive capabilities could make him a valuable asset for Detroit.
In conclusion, while selecting a linebacker in the first round might seem unconventional given the team’s current roster composition, the Lions’ commitment to securing top-tier talent could lead them to Jihaad Campbell, reinforcing their dedication to building a robust and versatile defense.