The Senior and Shrine Bowls have come and gone, which means it’s time to recalibrate those NFL mock drafts!
ESPN’s Matt Miller is one of the more familiar mock draft voices around, and he has a surprise selection for the Seattle Seahawks. You would think that with obvious needs in the trenches, the pick would be an offensive lineman or even an additional body on the defensive line.
At No. 18, the Seahawks select… Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell?!!
Here’s Miller’s explanation:
Seattle fans would rather the team address the trenches in Round 1, but general manager John Schneider has shown in the past that he values the linebacker position more than others (i.e., the Jordyn Brooks pick in 2020). So while there’s a strong case for Alabama guard Tyler Booker here if Seattle goes all-in on running the ball in 2025, I’m looking more at how Campbell’s three-down impact could fill a massive hole.
Additionally, Campbell would also bring value as a pass rusher on third down, with five sacks in 2024. He is the closest thing 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, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. He is considered a hybrid edge/off-ball linebacker with terrific athletic traits, and ranks as one of the top linebackers in this draft class.
Here’s the Bleacher Report scouting report:
Campbell moves very well to be effective in coverage, especially when playing zone. He shows good eye discipline to locate threats coming into his area and can read the quarterback’s eyes to tighten throwing windows. He also has the change of direction and acceleration to break and close on routes to make tackles for short gains or get PBUs.
Against the run, the Alabama product could benefit from some more experience as he still struggles against eye candy. Also, he has issues staying in his gap when taking on blocks from offensive linemen and good blocking tight ends. That’s partially due to inconsistencies with his use of hands, but he has long arms to get off blocks when he does get his hands up.
Campbell also has some position versatility as the Crimson Tide would have him lineup on the edge and rush the passer. He adds value as a pass-rusher, both on the edge and as a blitzer, and thus would be best playing for a creative defensive coordinator who uses him at multiple spots at the next level.
I suppose we have to factor in the possibility that Seattle actually won’t re-sign Ernest Jones IV, leaving Tyrice Knight and… Patrick O’Connell or Drake Thomas (??) as your other inside linebacker options. But I still take these mock drafts lightly when we’re still in February and free agency hasn’t happened yet. I’m not principally against adding more linebacker depth, but it feels like taking Campbell would not be an optimal use of first round resources. Perhaps you might have a different opinion, in which case make your case in the comments!
Meanwhile, enjoy some Campbell highlights!
