Jihaad Campbell Emerged as a Key Piece in Eagles’ Defensive Future
The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense in 2025 had plenty of high points, but one of the most exciting developments wasn’t a Pro Bowl veteran or a big-name free agent-it was a rookie stepping into the spotlight and playing like he belonged there from Day 1. That rookie was Jihaad Campbell.
Drafted in the first round, Campbell wasn’t expected to be the centerpiece of the linebacker unit right away. But when Nakobe Dean went down early in the season, Campbell got the call-and he didn’t just fill in, he made the job his own. By the end of the year, he wasn’t just one of the Eagles’ most consistent defenders; he was recognized as one of the best rookies in the league, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
There’s a lot to like about what Campbell brought to the field in his debut season. He racked up 76 tackles, applied pressure with 11 quarterback hurries, broke up three passes, and forced a fumble.
But the stat that really jumps off the page? He finished as a top-five linebacker in coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
That’s not just good for a rookie-that’s elite, period.
What made Campbell such a revelation was his versatility. Coming out of Alabama, he was known more as an edge rusher, someone who could attack the quarterback and set the edge.
But the Eagles asked him to slide inside, take on a new role, and handle more coverage responsibilities. That kind of position switch isn’t easy, especially at the NFL level, but Campbell made it look seamless.
He showed the ability to stick with running backs and tight ends in space, a skill that’s become increasingly valuable in today’s pass-heavy league. And while he did go through a bit of a midseason lull-understandable given the depth of Philly’s linebacker rotation-he rebounded strong and finished the year playing 63 percent of the defensive snaps.
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra highlighted Campbell as the Eagles’ “unsung hero” of the season, and it’s hard to argue. On a defense loaded with talent, Campbell quietly became one of the most reliable pieces. And now, heading into 2026, new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has a good problem on his hands: how to get Campbell on the field even more.
The Eagles are facing some decisions this offseason, particularly with Nakobe Dean hitting free agency. If Dean walks, Campbell could take over the starting role full-time next to Zack Baun, giving the Eagles a cost-effective, high-upside duo in the middle.
But if Dean returns, it doesn’t mean Campbell gets pushed aside. In fact, it could open the door for him to move back toward the edge, giving Fangio another weapon to deploy in creative ways.
No matter how the Eagles choose to handle it, one thing’s clear: Jihaad Campbell has earned a bigger role. His rookie season wasn’t just a promising start-it was a statement. The Eagles might have found themselves a foundational piece for years to come, and that’s the kind of win every team hopes for on draft night.