The Philadelphia Eagles selected Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the No. 31 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft on Thursday night. Soon after, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban provided his initial thoughts.
“This guy is a great person. You know people have to understand with Jihaad, he played with his hand in the dirt in high school, went to IMG. Came out was an outside backer. Moved to inside backer and got better and better and better. I thought he had a fantastic year this year. He has tremendous range, speed — He can play in and out,” Saban said, “This guy — I love this pick. The only reason they’re getting him here is because some people had some injury questions because of his shoulder surgery.”
Campbell was recruited by and played for Saban. The New Jersey native spent his first two seasons at Alabama playing for Saban.
Over the course of his career, Campbell accumulated 186 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was a team captain during his junior season. It is also worth noting that he was a semifinalist for two prestigious awards — the Butkus and Bednarik Awards.
Campbell is one of two Alabama players that were selected in the first round. The other player was offensive guard Tyler Booker who was drafted No. 12 overall by the Dallas Cowboys.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
