Why the Slide Series
This series was created a number of years ago in response to questions about why certain well-known prospects went unselected in NFL drafts. For these articles, I reach out to sources with NFL teams to find out why their organizations passed on drafting a given player and/or the reasons other teams passed on that prospect. The positive response to “Why Undrafted” and questions from readers about why prospects were drafted lower than the media’s expectations led us to create the parallel series “Why the Slide?”
Both series are back this year. Feel free to email me requests for Why the Slide? and Why Undrafted? at [email protected]. I can’t promise to get to all of them, but I will do my best and definitely will respond to the email.
The Expectations
Throughout the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell was consistently projected to go in the top-20. Sources from around the league raved about Campbell’s 2024 tape and that excellent skill set he displayed, along with the production. In 2024, he had 108 tackles with five sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and two passes broken up. Campbell was all over the field for Alabama. Many thought Campbell would get selected in the top half of the first round. Multiple sources said that Campbell was a top-10 talent and one of the 10 best prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Thus, it was a major surprise when he slipped to the 31st pick.
The ‘Why’
In speaking to team sources, medical concerns were the issue that pushed Campbell down. While it was known that he was dealing with a shoulder injury, some team sources said that their medical staff had questions about whether Campbell would be able to have a long career. They had concerns that he injuries and medical issues could cut short his time in the NFL.
The Philadelphia Eagles traded up one spot in the first round to land Campbell, and that was a tremendous landing spot. Campbell is a great fit in Vic Fangio’s defense with his dynamic run-stuffing ability, pursuit skills, and dangerous blitzer. Campbell will probably start out as a backup to veteran Nakobe Dean, but Dean has had durability issues in his career going back to his time at Georgia, and Dean is in the last year of his contract with Philadelphia. With his instincts and speed, Campbell will be an asset for defending Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels and taking on ground attacks from conference rivals like the Lions, Packers, 49ers, Rams, and Buccaneers. Campbell could prove to be a steal for the Eagles.
2026 NFL Mock Draft - May 1
NFL Power Rankings - March 28
NFL Picks - Feb. 9
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
