The Arizona Cardinals recently had a top-30 meeting with Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, evaluating his potential for the NFL.
The NFL draft is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for players, coaches, and teams alike. As teams prepare to select their future stars, evaluating talent becomes paramount. One of the latest prospects to catch the eye of NFL teams is Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who recently had a top-30 meeting with the Arizona Cardinals. These top-30 visits, where a team invites a handful of top draft prospects for personal meetings, serve as a crucial component of the evaluation process. The visit with Campbell indicates the Cardinals are keenly interested in assessing his potential to be a key contributor in their defense.
This article will explore Jihaad Campbell’s football journey, his skill set, why he caught the attention of the Arizona Cardinals, and what his potential future in the NFL could look like.
Jihaad Campbell: Background and College Career
Jihaad Campbell’s path to the NFL has been shaped by his hard work, development, and standout performances at Alabama. Originally from the state of New Jersey, Campbell began his college career at the University of Alabama, one of the most prestigious programs in all of college football. Known for producing elite athletes, Alabama provided Campbell with the ideal environment to showcase his talents, develop as a player, and prepare for the next level.
At Alabama, Campbell demonstrated the qualities that NFL scouts look for in a linebacker: speed, strength, and a relentless work ethic. While he may not have been a household name immediately, his consistent growth over the years on the field made him a player to watch. His versatility and athleticism stood out, as he could contribute in various roles on the field, whether in pass coverage, as a tackler, or as a blitzer. These attributes are what make him an intriguing prospect, and the Arizona Cardinals have clearly taken note of his potential.
The Role of the Linebacker in Modern NFL Defense
Before diving into Campbell’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s important to understand the evolving role of linebackers in the modern NFL. In years past, linebackers were primarily tasked with stopping the run and covering short routes in the passing game. However, as the game has evolved, so too has the linebacker’s role. Today’s linebackers must be versatile, capable of covering running backs and tight ends in the passing game, while also maintaining the physicality necessary to stop the run and blitz effectively.
Jihaad Campbell’s skill set makes him an appealing prospect because he demonstrates the versatility that modern NFL defenses demand. His ability to move sideline-to-sideline, cover ground in pass coverage, and blitz from the edge gives him the flexibility to contribute in various defensive schemes. For the Arizona Cardinals, who are looking to improve their defense, especially against the run and in pass coverage, Campbell could provide valuable depth and impact from day one.
Strengths of Jihaad Campbell: What Makes Him Stand Out
Athleticism and Speed
One of the key aspects of Campbell’s game that has turned heads is his athleticism. Linebackers are often asked to cover large portions of the field in a short amount of time, and Campbell has shown the ability to do just that. He has the necessary speed to cover ground quickly, which is crucial in the NFL, where plays can shift from one side of the field to the other in a matter of seconds.
Campbell’s agility allows him to make quick adjustments in coverage, often staying with tight ends and running backs in the passing game. His ability to flip his hips and maintain speed in transition makes him an excellent coverage linebacker, which is one of the most valuable traits in today’s NFL.
Versatility
Versatility is an essential trait for linebackers in the modern NFL, and Jihaad Campbell certainly excels in this area. Throughout his time at Alabama, he was asked to perform a variety of roles on defense. Whether it was rushing the passer, covering receivers, or filling gaps in run defense, Campbell consistently displayed the ability to perform at a high level in multiple areas.
This versatility allows him to be plugged into different roles within a defense, depending on the needs of the team. Whether playing as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 linebacker, Campbell’s ability to adapt to different schemes and responsibilities makes him a valuable asset for any defense, including the Arizona Cardinals.
Tackling and Physicality
Another strong aspect of Campbell’s game is his tackling ability. He is not afraid to step up and make physical tackles, both in the open field and around the line of scrimmage. His ability to read plays and diagnose where the ball is going allows him to make timely and effective tackles. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, a skill that is vital for linebackers at the next level.
Campbell’s toughness and willingness to engage in physical battles in the trenches also make him a reliable defender against the run. His ability to shed blockers and tackle in space is crucial for a linebacker, and he has demonstrated these skills throughout his college career.
Instincts and Football IQ
Beyond physical traits, Campbell’s football IQ and instincts are impressive. He is known for his ability to read plays and adjust accordingly. Whether it’s diagnosing a run play or dropping into coverage to disrupt a passing route, Campbell’s ability to quickly process what’s happening around him is a valuable asset.
Good linebackers can sense where the play is headed and position themselves to make a positive impact. Campbell’s awareness of his surroundings and ability to make smart decisions in the heat of the moment will make him a solid addition to any defense.
Jihaad Campbell’s Fit with the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have had their struggles on defense in recent years, and improving their linebacker corps is one of the areas the team is likely to address in the NFL Draft. With a need for more athleticism and playmaking ability at linebacker, Jihaad Campbell could be an ideal fit for the team.
Blitzing and Pass Rush
One of the areas where the Cardinals could benefit from Campbell’s skill set is in the blitzing game. NFL defenses are increasingly relying on linebackers who can effectively rush the passer, and Campbell has shown the ability to do so. His athleticism and speed allow him to quickly close on quarterbacks, and he can be utilized in various blitz packages to generate pressure on opposing offenses.
Pass Coverage
Another area where Campbell could contribute immediately is in pass coverage. The Cardinals have struggled at times with covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game, and Campbell’s ability to match up against these types of players would be an asset. His athleticism and instincts make him a natural in coverage, and he could be used to cover running backs coming out of the backfield or tight ends running intermediate routes.
Leadership and Communication
Finally, Campbell’s leadership qualities would be a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ defense. Linebackers are often the vocal leaders of a defense, calling out plays, making adjustments, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. With his experience and understanding of defensive schemes, Campbell could quickly step into a leadership role and help improve the communication and cohesion of the Cardinals’ defense.
The NFL Draft: What’s Next for Jihaad Campbell?
Jihaad Campbell’s meeting with the Arizona Cardinals is just one step in his journey toward the NFL. The next major event in that journey is the 2023 NFL Draft, where Campbell will learn which team sees his potential and selects him to join their roster. The Cardinals, with their need for defensive playmakers, may well be a team that selects Campbell, especially if they continue to prioritize improving their linebacker corps.
Campbell’s combination of athleticism, versatility, and football IQ makes him an appealing prospect for a variety of teams, and his ability to contribute both in coverage and as a pass rusher could be a game-changer for any defense. As the draft approaches, it will be interesting to see where Campbell lands and how he develops at the next level.
For now, Campbell’s meeting with the Arizona Cardinals is a positive sign that his hard work and dedication are being recognized by NFL teams. Whether he lands in Arizona or with another franchise, Jihaad Campbell is poised to make an impact at the next level and continue the legacy of talented Alabama players excelling in the NFL.
