Jihaad Campbell is climbing the Eagles depth chart just a week into training camp

Training camp just started, and while most rookies are still figuring out where to park, Jihaad Campbell is already making it crystal clear he plans on being a starter come Week 1 when the Eagles open up the 2025 season at The Linc against the Dallas Cowboys.

Remember, Jihaad Campbell is a guy who fell in the draft due to injury history and on top of that, missed OTAs recovering from a torn labrum. Fast forward to the first week of training camp and already locking down first-team reps next to Zack Baun.

So much for easing into the NFL.

Trust me, I get it. I’m not a training camp guy at all and posting takeaways from camp is the laziest form of content imaginable. If that’s your cup of tea, then by all means, do your thing but I just look at it as all fluff and no bite.

Fine. Whatever. Jihaad Campbell is different though.

It’s been three days, three practices and already, Campbell is out there with the starters like he’s been on the roster for five years. PHLY’s Zach Berman even said this looks like it’s shaping up to be a Zack Baun–Jihaad Campbell duo by Week 1 against the Cowboys.

That’s not a small thing.

Jihaad Campbell is climbing the Eagles depth chart just one week into training camp

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Jihaad Campbell is finally healthy and already flashing his potential

Campbell had shoulder surgery for a torn labrum this offseason and missed most of OTAs. That didn’t matter. As soon as he was cleared, he showed up to camp and made it very clear he’s not interested in waiting his turn.

“I’m just blessed that I’m healthy right now,” Campbell told reporters. “I’m really happy to be out here on the field and flying around with our defense.”

No kidding… the 6’3”, 235-pound linebacker was flying around the SEC last year at Alabama, racking up 117 tackles, five sacks, 12 TFLs, a pick, a couple pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He was everywhere. Now he fully intends on doing it again in midnight green.

Nolan Smith Thinks He’s “Electrifying”

Nolan Smith, who knows a thing or two about athletic freaks, is already sold.

“Man, he electrifying,” Smith said. “He really remind me of myself if I played inside linebacker. He got a quick step, he got a job, he got good hands… SEC inside linebackers, man. We blitz them guys.”

That’s about as glowing as it gets. Zack Baun also praised Campbell’s IQ and versatility, calling him a guy who can “move” and “do a lot of different things.”

Again, it’s super early but you can see where this going. Howie Roseman and the Eagles might’ve just stolen a Day 1 difference-maker at the bottom of the first round.

One AFC Exec Was Already High on Campbell

Prior to the draft, one AFC scouting director said Campbell was a “prototypical three-down linebacker,” noting his quickness and playmaking ability. The knock is that sometimes Campbell avoids blocks instead of engaging, which can open up holes.

Cool. Fair critique from an “AFC Exec” but you know what helps with that?

Playing behind Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.

Campbell doesn’t need to be Luke Kuechly right away. He just needs to run, hit, and make plays while Vic Fangio unleashes hell with disguised pressures and overloaded fronts. His athleticism already pops. His instincts will come.

Jordan Davis dropped 26 lbs and is looking like a SNACK heading into training camp

If he develops into even 80% of the player he flashed on tape at Alabama, this Baun–Campbell combo could anchor the middle of the defense and the Eagles’ decision to finally invest a first-round pick at linebacker might actually be worth it for once.

Jihaad Campbell is doing everything you want from a first-round pick. He’s healthy, he’s flashing, and he’s already earning starting reps. The Eagles haven’t had a linebacker duo to get excited about since… DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks? Jordan Hicks for half a season before he exploded?

This could be the beginning of something new in Philly and if it officially starts with Dak Prescott getting body-bagged in Week 1, even better.

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