Silver And Black Pride
What could the Alabama linebacker could bring to the Raiders’ defense
After losing Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo and missing out on Christian Elliss in free agency, linebacker is one of the Las Vegas Raiders’ biggest needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. While Elandon Roberts could temporarily fill one starting spot in Las Vegas, the Raiders could use a quality coverage linebacker like Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell.
Campbell burst onto the scene this past season, partially because of his 80.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus which ranked first among SEC linebackers. A big reason for that is the Alabama product racked up the most ‘coverage stops’ (30) in the country at his position, five more than any other backer.
Additionally, the 21-year-old has a fairly complete game, earning an 81.0 PFF run defense grade while recording an additional 35 ‘defensive stops’ against the run. The latter was tied for the fourth-most in the conference.
Given the Raiders’ need and Campbell’s pedigree as arguably the top linebacker in the draft class, let’s dive into the tape and see what he could bring to Las Vegas.
Something that stands out about Campbell in coverage is he’s good at reading the quarterback’s eyes and has the athleticism to move into passing lanes when playing zone coverage.
In the clip above, he’s the middle hook defender as the Crimson Tide run a rush three, drop eight Cover 3 coverage. But he isn’t just a robot who spot drops and covers grass, he eyes the quarterback and adjusts to what he’s seeing. So, when Carson Beck tries to hit the seam route, Campbell opens his hips and has the movement skills to go from the middle of the field to the hash mark and come down with the interception.
This is what happens when instincts meet athleticism.
Campbell’s athletic ability also allows him to be effective in man coverage against running backs and tight ends. Here, he’s going up against a tight end lined up as a slot receiver and initially opens to the sideline while staying on the other side of the hash mark to protect against an in-breaking route.
But the tight end breaks for an out route. Meanwhile, Campbell does an excellent job of planting his feet and changing directions to step in the passing lane. On top of that, he has the acceleration to drive on/undercut the route to get the PBU on fourth down. Granted, that all goes for naught with the defensive line jumping offsides.
This time, Campbell isn’t the primary or targeted defender in coverage, but he shows off some impressive lateral range against the screen.
He starts the rep as a standup linebacker on the line of scrimmage and at the bottom of the midfield logo. Post-snap, he quickly recognizes the play design and gets on his horse toward the sideline to make the tackle for a four- to five-yard gain and the third down stop.
So, the linebacker went from one side of the logo...
