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2025 NFL draft: Panthers predicted to make surprise curveball pick in first round

Carolina would throw several people off with this pick.
Schuyler Callihan|
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (LB05) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (LB05) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

It wouldn't shock a single person who follows the NFL closely if the Carolina Panthers picked a defensive player with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

It would, however, be quite the surprise if it weren't Georgia LB Jalon Walker, Michigan DL Mason Graham, Michigan CB Will Johnson or one of the handful of pass rushers who could go in the top 10-15.

In his latest mock draft on CBS Sports, Chris Trapasso projected the Panthers to go outside of the aforementioned names while still landing a potential building block for Ejiro Evero's defense.

Trapasso's bold pick: Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) sneaks a peek into the back field against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

"Surprise! Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, a damn good linebacker in his own right, drafts the speedy and physical Jihaad Campbell to be the leader of his defense," Trapasso said.

Campbell is a talented player, who is coming off one heck of a season, but staying at No. 8 and taking him there may be a tad too high. Then again, if he's your guy, he's your guy.

This past season, Campbell recorded 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two passes defended, one fumble recovery, and an interception.

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Schuyler Callihan
SCHUYLER CALLIHAN

Schuyler Callihan is the publisher of West Virginia On SI and has been a trusted source covering the Mountaineers since 2016. He is the host of Between The Eers, The Walk Thru Game Day Show, and In the Gun Podcast. The Wheeling, WV native moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2020 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers.

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