While the Philadelphia Eagles lost some key weapons on defense, the unit still has great young talent, with one getting more attention than the others.
2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell got off to a good start in his NFL career with a solid first season with the Eagles, but with Nakobe Dean gone to the Las Vegas Raiders, the starting lineup at linebacker will look a bit different next to Zack Baun. Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton shared a list of eight players going into Year 1 who should take bigger roles on their teams, with Campbell being included.
"The Philadelphia Eagles allowed linebacker Nakobe Dean to walk in free agency. Over the last two seasons, he served as a starter alongside All-Pro Zack Baun. Without him, Jihaad Campbell is in line to fully take over a lead role in the middle of the defense. Campbell opened the 2025 season in a starting role, but he eventually took a back seat to Dean, who started the campaign on the physically unable to perform list. When healthy, Dean was one of the Eagles' primary starting inside linebackers. Now that he's in Las Vegas, Campbell just needs to make a full recovery from offseason shoulder surgery to regain the starting job. The Eagles don't have a proven high-end edge-rusher. So, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could tap into Campbell's pass-rushing ability, which he put on display in his final collegiate year at Alabama, recording five sacks."
Jihaad Campbell must step up in Year 2 with Eagles
In 2025, Campbell had 80 tackles, three pass deflections, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 17 games with the Eagles. He had starting experience, as he was in the lineup for the first half of the season due to Dean's injury, before he came back. For his stellar play in 2025, Campbell was named to the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie team.
The Eagles' linebacker position is not as deep as it was last year, but the talent is still there with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. backing up Baun and Campbell. While Trotter and Mondon could be rotated in, it should mostly be Baun and Campbell.
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Campbell played well, and the versatility he possesses makes him ready for the moment to be a full-time starter. If the Eagles' defense wants to continue its great performances over the last two years, Campbell will have to play a big role in keeping it consistent.
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