Long gone are the days when the Eagles didn't value linebackers.
The Birds traded one of their several 2025 fifth-round picks to swap draft positions with the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night, then selected Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell 31st overall.
The move comes just a month or two after the team signed linebacker Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million contract.
— jaiden (@steph_turkey) April 25, 2025
Here's Yahoo Sports' scouting profile on Campbell prior to the draft:
"He’s got all the physical tools to be a three-down playmaker at the second level in the NFL, and everything Campbell struggles with at this point is teachable. It might take a little patience and technical refinement from his pro coaches, but Campbell has all the makings of a scheme-versatile defender with Pro Bowl potential."
And here's ESPN's post-draft analysis of the pick:
"They've done it again. The Eagles lead the league in being patient and letting good players who are great defensive fits fall down the board. With a slight trade up from No. 32, Philadelphia gets a speedy linebacker who would excel in a role very similar to the one linebacker Zack Baun played in 2024. Campbell can play stack 'backer, rush off the edge or operate as a spy in the run game. His ultimate role will depend on his physical development, but the Eagles once again steal a top 15 player in the class."
Campbell was widely considered the best linebacker available in this year's draft.
One of my strongest beliefs about this draft: If Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell falls, some team is going to get an absolute steal. Extremely high upside prospect. pic.twitter.com/yJhIe1ZoRg
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 23, 2025
Early reactions seemed to indicate that Eagles fans are thrilled with the pick.
Jihaad Campbell on the final big boards:
Daniel Jeremiah: 12th
PFF: 13th
The Ringer: 11th
Todd McShay: 11th
And the Eagles land him at 31 LMAOOOOO THEY DID IT AGAIN pic.twitter.com/GySghF9z7d— Aidan Powers (@aidan_34_powers) April 25, 2025
Campbell, 21, registered 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for losses, five sacks, and two forced fumbles with 'bama in 2024. He's a South Jersey native and began high school in Gloucester Township before moving to Florida.
With the Crimson Tide, Campbell was a starter in both 2023 and 2024 (his sophomore and junior years).
