Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has always found ways to bring in the top talent from the draft regardless of where they land, as he has one from the 2025 class ready for a breakout season.
Sports Illustrated writer Eva Geitheim named one breakout candidate on each of the 32 NFL teams for the upcoming 2026 season. Geitheim named linebacker Jihaad Campbell as the man who will have a monster season for the Eagles.
"Another Howie Roseman steal in the draft, Jihaad Campbell should take a leap forward in his sophomore season. Campbell started 10 games as a rookie, tallying 80 total tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. With Nakobe Dean departing for the Raiders this offseason, the path to more playing time is clear for the Alabama product."
Eagles fans should be ready for Jihaad Campbell to have a breakout 2026 season
Campbell has been a popular name for a breakout candidate for the Eagles this upcoming season, and it's easy to see how. Aside from the 80 tackles he got as a rookie, if fans watched how he played in the first half of the season with Dean injured, they would have seen the potential in his play.
There's some versatility to Campbell's game that should be respected as well, as Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio can use his young linebacker in so many ways. Philly fans could start seeing Campbell being used as an edge rusher while also dropping back into coverage.
Now that Dean is gone, nothing is standing in Campbell's way to start, as he will join Zack Baun in the middle at inside linebacker. Watch for Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to finally start getting some reps after having a stellar OTAs for the Eagles, but Campbell is going to be the focus on developing him.
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Eagles fans are ready to see what Campbell can bring to the table as a full-time starter, as the potential of his greatness is already there. Give this man a year to show off his skills, and he might end up being better than anyone thought.
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