This Philadelphia Eagles defense might be young, but they are among the best in the NFL.
Over the years, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has used the NFL Draft to find the right talent on defense, a strategy that has paid off with a Super Bowl title in 2024. Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox shared his breakout candidates for the Eagles, as both of them are on defense: edge rusher Jalyx Hunt and linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
"Hunt led the Eagles with 6.5 sacks last season, and he added nine tackles for loss and 29 quarterback pressures. 2025 brought a big jump for the 2024 third-round pick, and 2026 could bring an even bigger one. Greenard had just three sacks in 2025. However, if he returns to Pro Bowl form, he should help free up Hunt to attack one-on-one matchups and rack up even bigger numbers than he had last year. Hunt may become a bona fide star this season, as could second-year linebacker Jihaad Campbell. The 2025 first-round pick started the first eight games of his rookie season while Nakobe Dean recovered from a torn Patellar tendon suffered in 2024. With Dean now in Las Vegas, Campbell should be right back in a starting role."
Jalyx Hunt and Jihaad Campbell are easy candidates for breakout stars in 2026
Hunt's 2025 season already showed his off-the-edge potential. Unlike Jonathan Greenard and Nolan Smith, Hunt is versatile, as he can drop back into coverage and pressure the passer with ease. Those are rare traits to see and something that Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio appreciates in his edge rushers.
Greenard is a lock to start on one side, but Hunt is going to battle with Smith for the other edge rusher job. That one might be interesting, but ultimately both will play equally, with Hunt having a slight advantage, as he played better last year than Smith.
On the other end, Campbell is going to be starting at linebacker full-time after being the starter in the first half of last season for Nakobe Dean. It was clear that Campbell had potential, as he had some of the same versatility as Hunt.
Teaming up with Zack Baun will benefit Campbell, as he can learn a lot from the veteran. At the same time, Campbell is a different talent who can step in right away in 2026 and can do more things that Baun might be able to do.
Read more: NFL voice is watching critical position battle Eagles fans might not be
The last few years of drafting have really paid off for the Eagles, as Hunt and Campbell have turned out to be really good picks. Going into the 2026 season, though, their selections are about to be justified with good performances.
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