Eagles rookie isn’t rushing his return, but expects to be back sooner than later

The Eagles didn’t just draft Jihaad Campbell, they bet on his upside. And despite the rookie linebacker not taking a single snap in team drills yet, he already sounds like a guy who gets it.

Campbell, who slipped to pick No. 31 due to a pre-draft shoulder surgery, is still sidelined as he works his way back. But if you’re expecting panic or frustration, you’re not getting it. Not from this kid. Instead, he’s locked in on doing things the right way — mentally and physically.

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“The biggest goal is to get back, get back healthy,” Campbell told CBS Sports. “Making sure I’m strong and have a good mentality going into camp.”

That’s not just media-coached fluff. That’s the kind of maturity you want from someone expected to anchor the middle of your Eagles defense for years to come.

Eagles Betting Big on Campbell at Linebacker

Let’s be real, the Eagles don’t exactly have a murderers’ row at off-ball linebacker right now. Zack Baun is the only healthy vet. Nakobe Dean is still recovering from a torn patella. And while Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is getting first-team reps at the moment, it’s clear the front office expects Campbell to eventually seize a key role.

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And make no mistake — this dude can ball. He racked up 117 tackles, 12 TFLs, and 5 sacks last year at Alabama. That’s not just stat-padding in garbage time, that’s real SEC production.

Vic Fangio has Campbell working as a pure inside linebacker for now, but his skillset screams versatility. He’s long, athletic, and explosive off the edge. He can drop back in coverage or put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer. If his body holds up, the Eagles may have landed a steal.

Culture Buy-In Already Showing

What stands out even more than the physical tools is Campbell’s buy-in. The guy showed up to DeVonta Smith’s celebrity softball game just to support his teammates — not to swing a bat, not to be seen, just to be part of the team.

That’s how you earn respect in a locker room full of dogs.

“I think it’s all about together football,” Campbell said. “Playing with one heart and one sound… just so we can go out there and just ball.”

That line right there? You can tell he’s already speaking the Eagles language. That’s not a rookie guessing his way through an answer. That’s a guy who understands exactly what it takes to thrive in a championship-caliber defense.

With camp around the corner, the Eagles are playing it smart. There’s no rush to get Campbell back on the field, especially with the team having playoff — and let’s be honest, Super Bowl — aspirations.

Whether he’s a Week 1 starter or not, Jihaad Campbell is already making his presence felt. And when he finally gets the green light? Don’t be surprised if he’s wearing the green dot by midseason.

The Eagles didn’t just draft for need. They drafted a mindset. And from the looks of it, they hit the mark.