Cincinnati Drafts Alabama Linebacker Jihaad Campbell in Mel Kiper Jr.'s Debut Mock Draft

The Bengals hold the 17th pick in this year's draft.
Nov 30, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA;  Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) throws a pass against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The pass was intercepted. Alabama won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) throws a pass against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The pass was intercepted. Alabama won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images / Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
In this story:

CINCINNATI — ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest mock draft for the 2025 cycle and he has Cincinnati rolling with Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell at Pick 17.

Campbell is the 34th-ranked player on the consensus big board and the second-best linebacker.

"How contract situations play out for Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase could pivot the calculus, but it'd be nearly impossible for Cincinnati to ignore the defense," Kiper wrote. "Without a doubt, that unit kept the Bengals from the playoffs this season, allowing 25.5 points per game (25th). So I'm matching them with a prospect who does a little bit of everything on that side of the ball. Campbell had 112 tackles, 5 sacks, 12 run stops and an interception this season. He's instinctive and explosive."

Linebacker isn't a need for Cincinnati right now with Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson under contract for next season. But Cincinnati would save over $2 million in cap space by releasing Pratt. Wilson is signed through the 2027 season.

For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and watch the video below:

Make sure you bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Report: Arrests Made in Possible Relation to Joe Burrow Home Robbery

'He's an Expert Pass Pro Technician' - NFL World Reacts to Bengals New O-Line Coach Scott Peters

Former Bengals Coach Lou Anarumo Named Colts Defensive Coordinator

Legendary Bengals Coach Jim McNally Praises Offensive Line Hiring of Scott Peters

From Practice Squads to MMA to Cleveland and New England, Scott Peters' Journey Continues as Bengals O-Line Coach

Simple Quote Explains Bengals' Decision to Make Latest O-Line Coach Addition in Quest to Protect Joe Burrow

Bengals Fun Fact: Trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Cade York Finish 20-0

ESPN's Ben Solak Predicts Bengals Trade For Falcons Star Tight End Kyle Pitts

Look: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase Nominated For FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year Award

NFL Insider Dan Graziano Comments on Tee Higgins 'Long Shot' Future With Bengals

Bengals Legend Chimes in on Zac Taylor's Future: 'Now It Starts to Fall Back on You'

Report: Cincinnati Bengals Move on From Two More Coaches, Making Major Changes to Staff

'Would Be a STEAL for the Bengals' - Is Matt Eberflus an Ideal Target in Cincinnati's Defensive Coordinator Search?

Report: Former Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus 'Involved' in Bengals Defensive Coordinator Search

Bengals Stars Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson Make AP NFL All-Pro Team Following 2024 Season

Who Are Some of the Top Options To Replace Lou Anarumo As Bengals Defensive Coordinator?

-----

Join the 46,000+ Bengals fans who subscribe to us on YouTube.

Follow us on Twitter: @BengalsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok


Published
Russ Heltman
RUSS HELTMAN

Russ Heltman is a contributor for AllBearcats and AllBengals. He is the morning host and producer for 89.3 WMKV in Cincinnati, OH.  Russ can be found on Twitter: @RussHeltman11 or you can reach him by email at Heltmandm@yahoo.com.