Former Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell slid all the way to pick No. 31 in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft because of concerns about an injury that could have kept him out of the beginning of his rookie season. That slide was to the benefit of the world champion Philadelphia Eagles, and it turns out those concerns were overblown.
Campbell is healthy and made his debut as early as he possibly could: in preseason week one. And to the surprise of not a single Alabama or Eagles fan, Campbell already looks like the steal of the draft.
Campbell started for Philadelphia on Thursday night against the Bengals, showing his athleticism, instincts, and raw ability to a national audience on the NFL Network. In just 15 plays, Campbell made an impact, drawing rave reviews from NFL expert - and former player - Brian Baldinger.
Baldinger broke down several plays on his X account. If you love film breakdowns, he's a must-follow. He holds expert knowledge of the game and has a way of breaking things down so everyone can understand.
.@Eagles @RealJihaadC played 15 plays last night. So good with his hands, keeping OL off of his body. Attacked everything that moves. ooooooh how he would have loved the INT!!! #FlyEaglesFly #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/JTPgM8LSMm
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 8, 2025
The only thing that kept Campbell's debut from being an A+ is the dropped interception. He made a great play to break on the ball, but couldn't secure the football in the air. It won't be the last time he's in that position to make a pick. Chances are next time, when it really matters, he secures the takeaway.
Jihaad Campbell is pushing for a starting spot on a loaded Eagles defense
It speaks to how talented Campbell is that, as a rookie, he's already pushing for a starting role on a loaded Eagles defense. Philadelphia finished No. 2 in the NFL last season in EPA/play defensively, behind only the Denver Broncos.
With former Georgia LB Nakobe Dean still recovering from a torn patellar tendon he suffered in last year's playoffs, Campbell is projected to start alongside Zach Baun in the middle of the Eagles' defense. It's a role that Campbell may not give back even when Dean is back to 100% and ready to play.
After just 15 plays in one preseason game, it's obvious why Campbell was so coveted by NFL teams. All the ones who passed on him are surely kicking themselves after seeing the tape. Campbell looks like a future star, and the Eagles, already boasting the best roster in the NFL, just got even better.