When Pro Football Focus rolled out its list of early breakout candidates for every NFL team heading into 2026, the Philadelphia Eagles’ pick wasn’t much of a surprise to anyone who watched them closely last season. Second-year linebacker Jihaad Campbell earned the nod - and based on what he showed in his rookie campaign, the Eagles might be sitting on a future defensive cornerstone.
Let’s talk about what Campbell did in Year 1. The former first-round pick stepped into a starting role for 10 games and didn’t just hold his own - he made plays all over the field.
He racked up 80 total tackles, defended three passes, notched two tackles for loss, picked off a pass, recovered a fumble, and even got in a quarterback hit. That’s the kind of stat line that jumps off the page, especially for a rookie navigating one of the most complex defensive systems in the league.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed. Campbell earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, a nod that reflects both his production and his potential. And with the Eagles facing some big decisions in free agency - most notably the uncertain status of Nakobe Dean - Campbell could be poised to take on an even larger role in 2026.
Here’s the key detail: Campbell didn’t just get on the field by default. He earned his snaps when Dean went down early in the season, and he made the most of them.
According to PFF, Campbell posted an impressive 82.1 overall grade during his 10 starts and missed just four tackles. That kind of efficiency and reliability is rare for a young linebacker, especially in a Vic Fangio-coached defense that demands a high level of discipline and awareness.
Now, with Dean set to hit free agency, the Eagles may find themselves leaning even more heavily on Campbell. And honestly, they might be okay with that.
When you draft a guy in the first round, you expect him to become a foundational piece. Campbell looked the part in Year 1, and the organization clearly believes he can handle more.
Even if Dean returns, don’t expect Campbell to be riding the bench. Fangio is known for finding ways to get his best players on the field, and Campbell’s versatility and instincts make him a strong candidate for expanded snaps regardless of who else is in the linebacker room.
Bottom line: Jihaad Campbell isn’t just a breakout candidate for 2026 - he’s a breakout watchlist must. The Eagles have a young, athletic, instinctive linebacker who already showed he can produce. If his role grows, as expected, don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the most talked-about defensive players in the NFC by season’s end.