Jihaad Campbell, the Philadelphia Eagles' first-round pick, is set to begin his career as an off-ball linebacker. This position aligns well with his versatility, allowing him to eventually transition to a role as an edge rusher. His self-description as simply a 'football player' highlights his adaptability on the field, akin to All-Pros like Micah Parsons and Fred Warner, whom he admires. Eagles insiders, including Fran Duffy, suggest that while Campbell has the size for a linebacker at 6'3" and 235 pounds, his transition to an edge defender may be challenging given the physical attributes typically required at that position. Despite concerns about his size, Campbell's impressive stats from the previous season at Alabama, where he recorded five sacks and 117 tackles, demonstrate his potential impact.

Jihaad Campbell, the Alabama linebacker, fell to the 2025 NFL Draft's late first round due to concerns over shoulder and knee injuries. The Philadelphia Eagles, boasting a deep roster, took the risk, believing they secured a 'top-10 player' at a bargain. Campbell's impressive athleticism, with a 19.45 mph shuffle sprint, positions him as a potential future star. He joins a linebacker group led by Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun, setting the stage for Philadelphia's long-term success in the linebacker position.

The Philadelphia Eagles have cemented their reputation for astute drafting under Howie Roseman with a ten-player class that showcases a depth of talent and potential. Among the standout picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jihaad Campbell, an EDGE/Linebacker selected in the first round, is noted for his versatility, allowing him to occupy multiple roles on the field. In the second round, safety Andrew Mukuba brings exceptional coverage instincts, while defensive tackle Ty Robinson is expected to win fans with his high motor and physicality.

As the draft progresses into 5th and 6th rounds, players like Mac McWilliams and Smael Mondon Jr. demonstrate unique attributes, from short-area athleticism to big-game readiness, making them valuable additions to a team aiming for continued playoff success. With promising figures like Kyle McCord at quarterback, the Eagles have not only addressed immediate needs but also laid down a strong foundation for future growth.

The Philadelphia Eagles capitalized on their 2025 NFL Draft, selecting ten players and securing notable value, particularly with their top picks. Howie Roseman's strategy reflected a keen understanding of player rankings, with the Eagles' first four selections yielding a significant surplus in consensus rankings. For instance, linebacker Jihaad Campbell was picked at 31 despite a consensus ranking of 14, providing the Eagles with 17 spots of additional value.

Andrew Mukuba, however, did not fare as well, dropping from a consensus of 72 to the 64th pick, resulting in a negative differential of 8. While some players like Ty Robinson and Smael Mondon also recorded marginal values, the real standout was Kyle McCord, a quarterback who was selected 181st, exceeding expectations based on his consensus of 131. The Eagles also made strategic moves later in the draft, such as choosing Cameron Williams at 207, who had a consensus ranking of 92, showcasing their ability to identify hidden gems.

Howie Roseman, the general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, has displayed remarkable patience in developing players, particularly those with injury concerns. Jihaad Campbell, the Eagles' first-round pick from last year's draft, exemplifies this approach as he faces recovery from shoulder and knee issues. Roseman firmly believes that with time and support, Campbell can replicate his collegiate performance from Alabama, enhancing an already formidable Eagles linebacker corps.

This strategic nurturing could be pivotal in maintaining the Eagles' defensive edge, particularly against tough offenses in the NFL. As Roseman stated, investing in Campbell's long-term health could yield significant returns on the field.