Sports

National reaction to Jihaad Campbell making his move into the Eagles' starting lineup

The Eagles routinely put on clinics when navigating the NFL draft board. April’s first round was no different after the team waited and eventually traded up one spot with the Chiefs to select Jihaad Campbell out of Alabama.

The move gave Philadelphia a versatile and athletic linebacker who’ll develop into a three-down monster capable of covering tight ends or terrorizing the passer off the edge. Campbell missed the bulk of off-season workouts and mini-camp after having shoulder surgery before the draft, and the expectation was that Campbell wouldn’t be ready for live training camp action until July at the earliest.

Campbell reported to training camp on time and has hit the ground running, impressing his teammates and coaches with dynamic versatility and elite athleticism. Three practices in, Campbell is now mixing in with the Eagles’ first team defense, previewing a potential duo of Zack Baun and Campbell with Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Nakobe Dean (PUP List), and Smael Mondon Jr. mixed in.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell (30) walks the field during training camp at NovaCare Complex.

Campbell, like Baun, can play inside or outside, possessing both the strength to take on linemen and stop the run, as well as the quickness to go sideline to sideline.

With the move underway, we’re examining the local and national media’s reaction to Campbell’s ascension into the starting lineup.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFL world reacts to Jihaad Campbell getting first team reps

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