There's a reason the Philadelphia Eagles are the reigning Super Bowl champions and one of the most well-run organizations in pro sports. Howie Roseman and company know how to draft and accumulate talent.
Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell fell in the 1st Round of the NFL Draft due to some injury concerns stemming from shoulder surgery that could hold Campbell out of fall camp. That's a-okay with the Eagles, who traded up one spot to No. 31 overall and selected Campbell.
The Eagles are deep and talented and won't need Campbell to come in and immediately play. If he's ready to do so, that's just a bonus. Philadelphia is taking Campbell with an eye toward the future and what he'll be able to provide over the next five or 10 years. Don't be surprised if, when this draft class is looked back on a decade from now, Campbell is remembered as one of the best players in this class. At 31, he might be the steal of the draft.
Campbell is a "Swiss Army Knife" and a perfect fit for an aggressive, attacking Eagles defense. He can play inside or outside and has drawn comparisons to Cowboys star LB Micah Parsons. Campbell was Alabama's leading tackler last season, racking up 119 tackles and five sacks.
Campbell had been mocked in the Top 20 for most of the pre-draft process, particularly after he had a dominant showing at the NFL Combine. But injury concerns saw him slip to the end of the 1st Round. His patience was rewarded, however, as he ends up in an excellent situation in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Eagles have figured the NFL Draft out
The Eagles may only scout Alabama and Georgia players. That strategy has worked just fine as Philadelphia has built the best roster in the NFL. The Eagles have combined to draft nine players from Alabama and Georgia since the 2020 draft.
Campbell will join Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, and Tyler Steen in Philadelphia.
Interestingly enough, Alabama had two 1st Round picks on Thursday night. They were selected by heated rivals. The Cowboys made Tyler Booker the No. 12 pick before the Eagles grabbed Campbell near the end of round one.
The once teammates and recruiting classmates will become bitter rivals in the NFC East.