Let’s take a closer look at one of the prospects the Panthers could select in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Since it’s never too early to look forward to the NFL Draft, this weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2025 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
Jihaad Campbell (6’3”, 245 lbs) finished his high school career as the top edge rusher in the country and committed to Alabama. While in Tuscaloosa, he showed off his versatility by working the edge and playing off ball linebacker. He also was a star on special teams, showcasing his team first attitude and leadership. Campbell finished the 2024 season with 117 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble recovered. He had exponential increases in production every single season, leading many to believe he could continue that trajectory as he gets more experience at the off ball linebacker spot.
If you watch Campbell play, his athleticism jumps off the screen. That athleticism and his versatility (spending time at MIKE, SAM, and EDGE) make him a dominant force in pursuit, pass rushing, and in coverage. He is also a very reliable tackler and is able to diagnose plays quite well. Campbell’s frame is a little bit in the tweener category, which means he’ll likely have to stick at linebacker and rush the passer in blitz packages. With Shaq Thompson coming off a major injury at (soon to be) 31 years old, the Panthers could be looking for a linebacker. If the Panthers use his versatility to his advantage, I could see Campbell filling a similar role to Frankie Luvu: an off ball linebacker who gets a ton of tackles for loss in the run game and quarterback hurries when blitzing.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Jihaad Campbell is available when the Panthers select in the 2025 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!