Eagles Finally Invest in Defensive Heartbeat with Jihaad Campbell originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Eagles did something they haven’t done since disco was still a thing: they drafted a real linebacker in the first round. Jihaad Campbell, 31st overall pick. Not an edge guy disguised as a linebacker. Not some late-round project. A legitimate LB1 who probably would’ve gone top-15 if not for an injury concern that Howie Roseman and the Eagles medical staff clearly didn’t share with other teams.
That’s historic for this franchise. The last time it happened? Jerry Robinson in 1979. Think about that for a moment — the Eagles hadn’t invested first-round capital in an off-ball linebacker for 46 years. But here we are in 2025, and everything has changed.
Who knows where this shift in philosophy originated? Maybe Howie Roseman has been listening to Nick Sirianni more often. Maybe Vic Fangio informed the Philadelphia Eagles that linebackers are more critical than the former business model suggested.
Last offseason, the Birds backed up the Brinks truck and dumped some cash on Saquon Barkley. He inked a three-year $37.75 million deal with $26 million guaranteed over the first two years. Then in March, they extended him with a two-year, $41.2 million contract that includes $36 million guaranteed and up to $15 million more in incentives. Both moves were shocks to the system. When did Philadelphia start paying running backs?
There has been an ongoing adrenaline rush since Barkley’s arrival, but Zack Baun’s acquisition and unexpected rise might be the defensive equivalent. After signing a one-year contract with Philadelphia on March 13, 2024, Vic Fangio transformed Baun into a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro. For his efforts, he was given a three-year, $51 million contract.
Campbell has top-15-level talent when healthy, but an injury contributed to him sliding to the end of the first round. He’ll miss some time early, but he wants Birds fans to know they are already near and dear to his heart.
While speaking with Dave Spadaro in his rookie Q&A, he was asked whether he had a preference for his role and what type of football player he aspired to be. He offered a heartfelt response, one that should resonate with football’s most loyal fan base:
“(The role) is for the coaches to decide, not me. I’m going to give it my all no matter how they decide to use me on the field. I feel like I’m a versatile player, and I know I’m going to learn every day from the guys on this defense. It is going to be hard work. I know that. I want to be the best player I can be, help the defense, help the Eagles win games. That’s the role I want to have. As far as a position, nah. Let’s just play football.”
The response is everything Eagles fans could ask for. For years, linebackers were treated like afterthoughts in Philly. A revolving door of mid-tier guys and stopgaps.
That changed with Zack Baun’s All-Pro emergence last season, and now it’s Jihaad Campbell’s turn to carry the torch. It’s clear the Eagles are making a statement: this defense is getting a heart — and a voice.
Born and raised in South Jersey, about 20 minutes from Lincoln Financial Field, Campbell started his high school career at Timber Creek High School before hitting the big time at IMG Academy in Florida and then at the University of Alabama. This isn’t just any rookie linebacker — this is a kid who grew up bleeding green, watching Eagles games from the very area he’ll now call home professionally. “They’re a great organization. Very great coaches, great staff that makes sure the team has great value so we can win. Win regular-season games, win playoffs, and most importantly win a Super Bowl,” Campbell said. “I’m just ready to be the best version of myself each and every day and compete.”
There’s something refreshing about a young player not trying to make it about himself. No flashy declarations. No social media antics. Just a kid who wants to work, compete, and win. It’s why Philly fans are already rallying behind him, even before he suits up in regular season action.
Philadelphia respects authenticity. The city worships effort. And Campbell delivered both in one simple, powerful message.
That last line really hits different in this city: “Let’s just play football.” No drama. No ego. Just ball. And that’s what separates Eagles fans from the rest — they don’t need flashy hype videos or clickbait soundbites. Give them a grinder who wants to be great, and they’ll give their full loyalty.
Campbell is 6-3, 244 pounds and seems to have a similar build and skillset as Zack Baun, who was an All-Pro linebacker under Fangio in 2024. The comparison isn’t lost on Campbell either. “That type of guy being on the No. 1 defense in the nation, which is the Philadelphia Eagles,” Campbell said after getting drafted, “I got a chance to definitely watch some film and watch some tape on him and just see how special he is.”
With Nakobe Dean still recovering from his injury, Campbell could find himself starting alongside Baun when the Eagles open the 2025 season. The thought of these two athletic, intelligent linebackers anchoring the middle of Vic Fangio’s defense should have every Eagles fan excited for what’s to come.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.