Mock draft watch: Lions address middle of defense in Dane Brugler's 1st 2025 mock draft

That would Jihaad Campbell, linebacker, Alabama.

With his do-everything skill set, Campbell’s effectiveness will be limited only by a defensive play caller’s lack of imagination. The Lions likely will have greater needs this offseason, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Dan Campbell bangs the table for this type of talent — if the Alabama product is still on the board this late in Round 1.

Campbell has 106 tackles this season along with five sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss. The six-foot-three, 244-pounder is viewed as having excellent size and speed for an off-ball linebacker and, as Brugler notes, has the talent where Dan Campbell can figure out how to utilize that talent. Draft good players is the name of the game.

It remains to be seen if Campbell will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan after Alabama was knocked out of the College Football Playoffs thanks to Clemson winning the ACC championship and SMU getting the last at-large bid. Even if he does, Campbell has posted a solid resume and has made his case for the end of the first day of the draft.