By Sunday 
There are draft picks that make sense. Then there are draft picks that feel like cosmic alignment. If the Detroit Lions select Jihaad Campbell this year, it won’t just be another good fit—it’ll be a Campbellite prophecy fulfilled.
Let’s talk about it.
A Linebacker Built in the Madden Lab
You ever scroll through draft prospects and suddenly stop because someone’s name just sounds like trouble (in a good way)? That’s Jihaad Campbell. Standing tall with Alabama swagger and a highlight reel that plays like a Marvel trailer, Campbell isn’t just a linebacker—he’s a system disruptor.
And in his own words?
“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.”
Coach: Yes. All of that. Now.
This man was clearly built using every available skill point—and maybe a few extras the NCAA doesn’t want to know about.
From “What’s a Will Linebacker?” to Leading Bama
The best part? Jihaad Campbell didn’t even know what a Will linebacker was when he first got to Alabama.
“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.”
Guess what? He learned. Fast.
By the time he left Tuscaloosa, Campbell led the Crimson Tide in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, and forced fumbles. He was everywhere. He is everywhere. Think edge rusher with sideline-to-sideline range, who also happens to have the football IQ of a ten-year vet. This is the Swiss Army Knife defensive coordinators dream about.
Why He Might Still Be There at Pick 28 (And Why Detroit Shouldn’t Blink)
Now, you’re probably wondering: how in the world would a guy like this slide to 28?
Here’s the breakdown:
- Linebacker isn’t the “sexy” Round 1 position unless you’re Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions.
- Campbell recently had labrum surgery—teams might hesitate.
- Scheme fit matters, and not every franchise knows what to do with this much versatility.
But Detroit? Detroit knows. They took Jack Campbell in 2023 and laughed in the face of positional value takes. They trusted their board. And hey, that worked out just fine.
Kelvin Sheppard + Jihaad Campbell = Controlled Chaos
Here’s where things get fun. The Lions just promoted Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. A former NFL linebacker himself, Sheppard gets the position.
Jihaad could be his ultimate project: a linebacker who can blitz, stuff the run, drop in coverage, or line up on the edge when Hutch needs a breather.
“Coach feeling froggy, put me on the edge and go get the quarterback.”
Sir, yes sir.
The Campbell Trifecta: Yes, It’s a Thing
Let’s just acknowledge the elephant in the room. Jihaad Campbell. Jack Campbell. Dan Campbell.
Three Campbells. One defense.
It sounds like a law firm. Or a country band. But really, it’s a football fever dream—the Campbell Trifecta. This would be the most physically intense, blue-collar, bite-your-kneecaps linebacker group in the NFL.
The only real downside? Chaos for the jersey printers. But for opposing offenses? Pure misery.
Final Thoughts: Let the Linebackers Ride
Brad Holmes has never shied away from making bold moves. Drafting Jihaad Campbell isn’t just bold—it’s brilliant. He’s a do-it-all defender with a chip on his shoulder and a playbook in his head.
You want Detroit’s defense to level up? Then unleash the Campbell chaos. Pair instincts with versatility. Add fire to grit. Make The Campbellite Vision real.
Detroit: assemble your cavalry.
Because if Jihaad joins the crew, this defense might just transcend time and space.