Jihaad Campbell: From Alabama Standout to Potential Eagles Impact Player

PHILADELPHIA - Jihaad Campbell was a standout linebacker at the University of Alabama. After three seasons with the Crimson Tide-including two as a starter-he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and was selected in the first round as the No. 31 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles.

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The Eagles are coming off one of the most successful seasons in franchise history, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. They also finished the season ranked No. 1 in total defense.

So, how does a player like Campbell fit into a loaded defensive unit?

Linebacker Nakobe Dean saw his season end prematurely during a playoff win over the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 12. With Dean recovering from a torn patellar tendon, that opens up the door for the Eagles to use Campbell and his versatility.

Campbell possess the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker and rush the passer-skills that align well with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's philosophy. Fangio values adaptability and football intelligence, and Campbell has those qualities.

During training camp, the Eagles have experimented with Campbell as a pass rusher. While the plan may be to eventually use him in that role, Fangio believes he still has room to grow.

"[Campbell is] nowhere near ready" to shift to outside linebacker, Fangio told NBC Sports Philadelphia. The Eagles' preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday will serve as a key opportunity for Fangio to evaluate Campbell's readiness in live action.

Despite not being fully transitioned into a pass-rushing role, Campbell has had a strong training camp. His work ethic hasn't gone unnoticed among teammates.

According to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia,  Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts praised Campbell's presence on the field.

“He has a presence on the field.” said Hurts. “You definitely feel it on the field. He is flying around, and has great range and is fast. He's settling down and is already doing a good job of that from a reactive standpoint.

Additionally, veteran running back Saquon Barkley also offered high praise. “He’s going to be a problem, a real big problem for a lot of guys in the league who have to go against him and block him.”

Campbell has also taken significant reps at inside linebacker and is currently in competition for a starting role alongside Zack Baun.

"Campbell has been one of the big stories in camp," said Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "He's come in and really taken ownership of that inside linebacker spot."

With his athleticism, high football IQ, and physicality, Campbell gives the Eagles' coaching staff flexibility in how they deploy their linebackers. However, the competition for the starting role is heating up. Campbell will need to outperform Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to earn his job outright. That effort begins Thursday against elite competition, as Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has elected to play some of his starters, including Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

The Eagles and Bengals will kick off their preseason matchup Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CST. The game will be available to stream on ABC, FOX, NBC, Fubo, and NFL+.