The Philadelphia Eagles' recent draft strategy suggests a clear vision for their defense: versatility and adaptability. This is exemplified by their first-round selection of Jihaad Campbell, a South Jersey native who spent his final season at Alabama playing inside linebacker after primarily being an edge rusher. The Eagles see in Campbell a player who can mirror the impact of Zack Baun, a player whose career trajectory took an unexpected but highly successful turn after joining the team.
Last year, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio decided to experiment with Baun, a backup edge rusher known for his special teams contributions, by moving him to inside linebacker. The results were astounding. Baun thrived in his new role, racking up 151 tackles and 3.5 sacks. His outstanding performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, a First-Team All-Pro nod, and recognition as a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.
The Eagles' hope is that Campbell can replicate Baun's success, providing the team with another versatile player capable of rushing the passer from the edge, stopping the run, and covering receivers from the inside linebacker position. The team envisions a scenario where having two players with such diverse skillsets would significantly enhance their defensive capabilities.
However, Campbell's immediate impact is uncertain. He is currently recovering from shoulder surgery performed in March, and his availability for the start of the regular season is in question. Fangio indicated that Campbell might not be cleared to practice until August, potentially jeopardizing his readiness for the Eagles' Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 4th.
The Eagles' need for Campbell is further amplified by the situation surrounding Nakobe Dean, another inside linebacker who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon sustained during the playoffs last January. Dean's return timeline is also unclear, with Fangio suggesting that he "won't be back for a while," raising concerns about the team's depth at the position early in the season.
While Dean's impending free agency after the current season and the drafting of linebackers Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (2024) and Smael Mondon (2025) in the fifth round of their respective drafts add context to the linebacker situation, the immediate need for Campbell stems from his potential to contribute in multiple facets of the defense. This is further highlighted by the Eagles' commitment to Zack Baun, whom they signed to a three-year contract extension.
Baun himself recognizes the potential that Campbell possesses. He acknowledged the dual nature of being a versatile player, stating that it's "a blessing and a curse because of the responsibility and the knowledge that comes with that." He anticipates that the Eagles will push Campbell to maximize his potential and utilize his diverse skillset to the fullest extent.
Campbell's development began during the spring, where he participated in individual drills and observed practices, including the mandatory minicamp in June. Fangio acknowledged that Campbell's NFL education is starting at the linebacker position, emphasizing that "there's a lot more to learn there." The goal is for Campbell to eventually evolve into a player who can contribute in a similar fashion to Baun, providing the Eagles with a valuable and adaptable defensive weapon.
General Manager Howie Roseman has intentionally avoided pigeonholing Campbell into a specific position, emphasizing his potential to "grow into anything you want." This reflects the Eagles' belief in Campbell's versatility and their commitment to developing him into a dynamic player who can contribute in various roles on defense.
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