It was only a matter of time before former Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell broke into the Eagles' starting defensive unit once he was able to get on the field. The big question was when he would he would be healthy enough to do so, which is what precipitated his fall in April's NFL Draft. A Top 10 talent, Campbell fell to the Eagles with the 31st overall pick.
The concern was that Campbell could miss valuable Training Camp time and potentially the start of the season, meaning he would be far behind as a rookie. That was just fine with the Eagles, who are deep and talented enough that they could be patient.
They won't have to.
Campbell was on the field for the opening of Eagles Training Camp, surpassing even the most optimistic of expectations. By Saturday, Campbell was working with the first-team defense alongside All-Pro LB Zack Baun.
Jihaad Campbell is working with the first team defense and is getting reps at both ILB spots.#Eagles pic.twitter.com/Gdu0LzIALX
— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) July 26, 2025
Campbell has been listed as a limited participant in practice, but stated after practice on Saturday that he will be able to participate on Tuesday when Philadelphia puts the pads on for the first time.
With former Georgia LB Nakobe Dean on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, a healthy Campbell looks to be in line to start.
Fire up the Jihaad Campbell Defensive Rookie of the Year hype
With Campbell ahead of pace in his recovery, he should be one of the top contenders to be Defensive Rookie of the Year. Campbell is one of the most athletically gifted players in this class, and on an Eagles defense littered with talented players, he should have ample opportunities to make plays.
Right now, Campbell is at tremendous value on FanDuel. He is tied for the fifth-best odds to win the award at +1400, behind Abdul Carter, Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, and Travis Hunter. His odds are tied with Mason Graham and Mike Green.
Campbell will play his entire rookie season at just 21 years old. He's one of the youngest players in this draft class, and his long-term upside is as high as any defender in the class. He's only scratched the surface of what he can be, and he'll likely be used as a chess piece on Philadelphia's defense, just like he was in Tuscaloosa.
Campbell played on and off-ball at Alabama. He's learning both inside linebacker positions in camp, as the Eagles already intend on moving him around. He has impressive pass-rushing ability and could ultimately see some time off the edge as well.