The Senior and Shrine Bowls have come and gone, which suggests it’s time to recalibrate these NFL mock drafts!
ESPN’s Matt Miller is among the extra acquainted mock draft voices round, and he has a shock choice for the Seattle Seahawks. You’ll assume that with apparent wants within the trenches, the choose can be an offensive lineman and even a further physique on the line of defense.
At No. 18, the Seahawks choose… Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell?!!
Right here’s Miller’s rationalization:
Seattle followers would fairly the crew deal with the trenches in Spherical 1, however normal supervisor John Schneider has proven previously that he values the linebacker place greater than others (i.e., the Jordyn Brooks choose in 2020). So whereas there’s a robust case for Alabama guard Tyler Booker right here if Seattle goes all-in on working the ball in 2025, I’m trying extra at how Campbell’s three-down affect may fill a large gap.
Moreover, Campbell would additionally convey worth as a move rusher on third down, with 5 sacks in 2024. He’s the closest factor coach Mike Macdonald can get to what he had with Roquan Smith in Baltimore.
The 20-year-old Campbell was first-team All-SEC in 2024, recording 117 tackles, 5 sacks, two compelled fumbles, and an interception. He’s thought of a hybrid edge/off-ball linebacker with terrific athletic traits, and ranks as one of many prime linebackers on this draft class.
Right here’s the Bleacher Report scouting report:
Campbell strikes very nicely to be efficient in protection, particularly when taking part in zone. He exhibits good eye self-discipline to find threats coming into his space and might learn the quarterback’s eyes to tighten throwing home windows. He additionally has the change of route and acceleration to interrupt and shut on routes to make tackles for brief features or get PBUs.
In opposition to the run, the Alabama product may benefit from some extra expertise as he nonetheless struggles in opposition to eye sweet. Additionally, he has points staying in his hole when taking up blocks from offensive linemen and good blocking tight ends. That’s partially as a consequence of inconsistencies together with his use of palms, however he has lengthy arms to get off blocks when he does get his palms up.
Campbell additionally has some place versatility because the Crimson Tide would have him lineup on the sting and rush the passer. He provides worth as a pass-rusher, each on the sting and as a blitzer, and thus can be finest taking part in for a artistic defensive coordinator who makes use of him at a number of spots on the subsequent stage.
I suppose we now have to issue within the risk that Seattle truly received’t re-sign Ernest Jones IV, leaving Tyrice Knight and… Patrick O’Connell or Drake Thomas (??) as your different inside linebacker choices. However I nonetheless take these mock drafts flippantly once we’re nonetheless in February and free company hasn’t occurred but. I’m not principally in opposition to including extra linebacker depth, but it surely seems like taking Campbell wouldn’t be an optimum use of first spherical sources. Maybe you might need a special opinion, by which case make your case within the feedback!
In the meantime, get pleasure from some Campbell highlights!
