Eagles keep stacking linebackers as Howie Roseman builds a bully

Having long been lauded for his creativity and often fearless approach to all things draft and FA related, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman added another imposing, do-it-all playmaker to the youngest defense in the league.

Opting to stay put at pick No. 31, the NFL Draft again took centerstage, as the defending Super Bowl Champions went with Jihaad Campbell, the devastating hitter with range and a propensity to deliver big plays out of Alabama.

Not only did the first decision on draft night for the defending champs spell yet another battle-tested SEC big-game hunter, the move also further fueled the notion that the Eagles value versatility, big-game experience, and familiarity with former players and locale, too.

Howie Roseman's vision for the Eagles defense is abundantly clear

Of course, the Bama connections are there for several key Eagles vets, while Campbell, a New Jersey native, is coming home to suit up in Kelly Green. For a guy that already plays with plenty of passion, proving to be a Swiss-army knife with big plays all over the gridiron both in high school and college, Campbell also adds another Eagles-centric wrinkle to the mix.

Campbell can play inside and with range and sure hands, a la Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. Beyond that, he can do one more thing that the Birds absolutely target and covet: He can line up in multiple spots.

As Campbell proceeds in his shoulder rehab, don't be surprised if he gets reps at both inside backer and EDGE, as he brought the thunder from both spots for the Crimson Tide.

And remember, Dean has incredible athleticism and an elite work ethic, but unfortunately he is temporarily back on the shelf. Strength in numbers.

That spells heightened job responsibilities for the beloved Jeremiah Trotter Jr, of course the original Axe Man's son, who is also accustomed to shining when the lights were brightest as as an accomplished Clemson Alum and decorated collegiate force.

In limited action, Trotter Jr. flashed on film for sure. Often seen flying towards the ball like a man possessed, he brings a ton of passion. He's vocal and dialed in, so his personality meshes well with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

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And once again, Trotter Jr. bleeds green due to his upbringing and other factors. Roseman is creating a family-like environment. The chemistry and collective will to dominate is only ascending for what is already the league's youngest defense.

Of course, the return of Zach Baun really helps to keep this theme moving along. After an electrifying top-five DPOY finish fresh off arriving to Philly we of course have to give plenty of credit to Vic Fangio. And Roseman undoubtedly struck gold once again, as he brought in a hungry player who Fangio and Co. knew had the potential to really make a name for himself. That vision and that belief in Baun paid off in spades all season long en route to the ultimate trophy.

But back to Fangio. It's amazing to think he got off to a slightly rocky start early on in Philly, only to build a dominant unit that is as young as it is gifted. Fangio and the 25-year coaching vet (Temple grad) D.J. Eliot has made a big impact. Yet another local coach like Fangio, Eliot clearly has these guys dialed in and eager to follow his lead as well.

Set to lead the charge inside at LB, Baun could be joined by Trotter Jr. and of course a rehabbing Campbell and eventually Dean, who is another young dynamic Bulldog defender who goes hard at all times and just covers ground.

Sure hands amongst them, Baun and Dean love snagging an errant spiral, while Trotter Jr is always active and Campbell, man - he might be the best of the bunch before long. Again, we're already talking about the league's youngest, top-ranked defense. With good health, there is no reason to think they cannot keep getting better, as a unit especially.

So the way I see it? Even with a few injury concerns, this LB group is as stout as it is multi-dimensional and imposing. Guys like Baun and now Campbell, once healthy, command extra attention.

They possess sound field awareness, as they read and react with the best of them and seldom slip in the slightest under pressure. It is a well-oiled machine, primed to only get stronger as this young group continues to grow together.