The Los Angeles Rams have developed a reputation for undervaluing linebackers, most recently evidenced by the unexpected trade of Ernest Jones.
Now they head into the offseason in which they must address the position either in free agency or the draft, as both starters, Christian Rozebooom and Troy Reeder, are on expiring contracts. This leaves the Rams with two linebackers under contract, the impressive undrafted rookie Omar Speights and the untested Jake Hummel.
In his latest mock draft for Pro Football Focus, Trevor Sikkema attempts to solve this issue with Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell.
Los Angeles Rams Draft Jihaad Campbell At # 26
“Linebacker Omar Speights was a great find for the LA Rams as an undrafted free agent last offseason. Perhaps that precludes them from considering a linebacker here, but Campbell is a rare combination of size, length, and versatility as a pass-rusher and an off-ball linebacker.”
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel
Les Snead has only drafted one inside linebacker in the top 100 picks since taking the helm of the team in 2012. They selected Alec Ogletree in 2013 with the 30th overall pick. Jones was the next closest, being selected just outside at 103 in 2021.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler places the 6 foot 3, 245-pound junior at number 23 on his Top 100 prospects list writing the following about him, “Campbell is one of the more interesting prospects in this draft class. Though he doesn’t have top-tier instincts as an off-ball player, his sideline-to-sideline speed and explosiveness lead directly to production (he led Alabama in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, and forced fumbles in 2024).
Some teams have him as part of their edge-rusher stack, while others want his promising versatility at linebacker. Regardless, Campbell is a first-round talent.”