The Indianapolis Colts have been closely connected to selecting a top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. While this is their biggest need, some sources do not think that a top tight end will be available when the Colts pick at 14. Therefore, another position could be on the table. In a recent first-round mock draft by Pro Football Focus, the Colts are projected to select top linebacker, Jihaad Campbell.

If top tight end prospect, Tyler Warren, is off the table by pick 14, the Colts would be wise to draft a top linebacker. The defense is in rebuild mode going into 2025, and further bolstering the unit is crucial for future success. This offseason, the Colts lost one of their up-and-coming linebackers in EJ Speed. What better way for the Colts to fill a void than to draft a guy with more talent and potential?

The Colts Should Consider Top Linebacker, Jihaad Campbell, In the 2025 NFL Draft

His Career in College

Jihaad Campbell has played three years at the University of Alabama, and this last year was his best year yet. He finished the season with 54 solo tackles and 63 assisted tackles, which both ranked 5th in the SEC. He also finished with 117 total tackles, which ranked fourth in the SEC. On top of this production, Campbell also accumulated 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. Needless to say, he is an absolute machine in the middle of the defense. This type of linebacker is exactly what the Colts need on their defense, and they are in a good position to select him during the draft.

His Outlook as an NFL Prospect

According to Pro Football Focus, Campbell is the number one linebacker prospect in this year’s draft. According to NFL Draft Buzz, he is the number two linebacker behind Jalon Walker. Therefore, if Campbell is available at 14, the Colts would be wise to draft him, assuming the top tight end is off the board. His draft capital is high as he has all the traits to be an NFL-caliber linebacker who could impact the Colts on day one. During the NFL Combine, Campbell further solidified his traits as he ranked second on his production score, fourth in his athletic score, and first in his total score. He is 6-3, 235 lbs and ran a 4.5, second 40-yard dash. Having his talent alongside the Colts’ rising superstar, Zaire Franklin, could be a killer duo on defense.

How He Could Impact the Colts

As mentioned, the Colts have a rising superstar linebacker in Zaire Franklin. In 2024, he made his first Pro Bowl after previous seasons in which he was one of the league leaders in tackles. Retaining him was a big move by the Colts. However, his counterparts have slowly moved on. Starting linebacker EJ Speed was signed by the Houston Texans. Grant Stuard, who had high potential, was signed by the Detroit Lions. Aside from Franklin, the other linebackers on the Colts roster are unproven. Therefore, it would be vital for the Colts to get an NFL-ready playmaker to bolster the unit. The draft is never a sure-fire thing, but it is a good tell on a player’s ability. The Colts need linebackers, and therefore, they should utilize the draft to help with that.

Main Image: Bryan Terry – USA Today Sports

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