The Seattle Seahawks have several needs in the 2025 NFL draft. The interior of the offensive line certainly needs to be addressed, and hopefully in the early rounds. Seattle might also look for another outside cornerback and potentially a bigger wide receiver. But another edge rusher certainly wouldn't hurt.
Speaking of hurt, though, one possible target for the Seahawks is coming off a significant injury. Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell tore his labrum last season, but he has top-15 talent. The question is whether teams will be scared off from choosing him due to any future injury concerns.
At least, Campbell's injury was not to a knee, but to his shoulder. This means he is already able to run, and the expectation is that he will be cleared to return by training camp. He can still participate as a viewer at rookie minicamp, but there won't be any tackling or hitting until training camp anyway.
Seahawks should take a chance on Jihaad Campbell if he falls to number 18 in 2025 NFL draft
Injuries are likely not going to scare general manager John Schneider off from taking the edge rusher. Schneider has done a good job understanding that potential future success is more important in a draft pick than immediate impact. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, for instance, had an injury in his last season in college, but Seattle still took him in the first round of the 2023 draft.
That obviously has worked out well. There is no reason to think Campbell wouldn't either, and if he slips to number 18 because teams are passing on him due to the labrum issue, then the Seahawks could be a big winner.
#Bama LB Jihaad Campbell, a top-15 talent in the 2025 NFL Draft who will be in Green Bay, visited #Cowboys and #Falcons, among others.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2025
Recovering from a torn labrum, Campbell got word from respected Dr. Lyle Cain that he should be ready for training camp. He is already running. pic.twitter.com/RjOSDQvyeC
Campbell will need to be used correctly, but his best fit is in the kind of scheme that head coach Mike Macdonald uses. In other words, he's best as an edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme.
The 6'3" and 235-pound linebacker also has versatility, though. He can scoot inside at times and offers the kind of positional flexibility that Macdonald loves. This would allow the coach to disguise his fronts further, something that elevates his design. Campbell also could take Boye Mafe's spot in 2026 if Mafe leaves in free agency.
According to the official NFL site, Campbell ran a 4.52 40-yard dash, so he is plenty fast to beat offensive tackles and chase down quarterbacks. He also improved each season in college in nearly every facet. He is ascending as he enters the NFL.