Version 3.0 of our NFL Wire editors' mock draft is live, and for the Indianapolis Colts, I went in a different direction at pick No. 14, taking Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
Let's discuss why.
The only certainty for me in these mock drafts is that if Tyler Warren is available, I'll be picking him. Otherwise, just about everything else is in play--which was the case this time around.
Tight end Colston Loveland was one option, but the depth of this year's class at that position is pretty good, so I felt comfortable enough addressing this need on Day 2.
Offensive line and defensive line are two other position groups that were on my radar, but I ultimately went with Campbell and the linebacker position because of the overall lack of depth in this year's draft, particularly compared to those other needs, which can create more urgency to tackle this need sooner rather than later.
Pro Football Focus gave the depth of this year's linebacker class a D+. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com would rank that position group ninth out of 11, and on Daniel Jeremiah's latest big board, only two linebackers were in the top 50.
Without EJ Speed, the starting linebacker role next to Zaire Franklin is up for grabs. Perhaps Jaylon Carlies can fill that spot. However, that shouldn't be assumed either.
In addition to that, Campbell brings a do-it-all presence to the second level and is a good fit for Lou Anarumo's scheme, where versatility is at a premium. Campbell can blitz, defend against the run, and eat up a lot of space in coverage.
Linebacker isn't a premium position, so one could justify not spending a first-round pick here. But at the end of the day, a need is a need, and regardless of the position, if there is significant playing time available, a player is a good fit, and brings playmaking ability in a variety of ways, that's a pick worth making to me.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL mock draft: Colts go in new direction, pick LB Jihaad Campbell
