Mel Kiper Jr. has the Cincinnati Bengals selecting Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 17th overall pick in his latest mock draft. But this pick has left many Bengals fans scratching their heads.
Campbell is a solid all-around linebacker with good size and athleticism. He’s a sure tackler and can contribute in both the run and pass game. But he doesn’t have any elite traits, and linebacker isn’t considered a premium position in today’s NFL.
The Bengals have several other needs on their roster, and they could be better served by addressing those needs with their first-round pick. Taking a linebacker at 17, especially one without any elite traits, seems like a luxury pick that the Bengals can’t afford.
Kiper’s pick has sparked debate among Bengals fans. Some believe that Campbell could be a valuable addition to their defense, while others think the Bengals should go with a player who can make a more immediate impact. Only time will tell if Kiper’s prediction will come to fruition.
