
Pens' Crosby: 'Urgency is heightened' down 0-2
Crosby emphasizes urgency for Penguins as they face 0-2 deficit against Flyers.
Jihaad Campbell, the Philadelphia Eagles' first-round pick, is showing promise in his rookie season. After starting strong, his role evolved as the season progressed, but early reviews remain positive.
The Philadelphia Eagles donāt often spend first-round capital on linebackers. Thatās what made the selection of Jihaad Campbell feel so significant when it happened. The former Alabama Crimson Tide standout entered the league with pressure attached. He wasn't just another first-round pick. He was the first true linebacker the Eagles had taken in Round 1 since 1979. No, Nolan Smith doesn't count. He's a pass rusher, so knowing the uniqueness of Campbell's type of addition alone made him a storyline before he ever took an NFL snap.
Nearly a year later, the early reviews are encouraging. Sports Illustrated recently re-examined the first-rounders from the 2025 NFL Draft and assigned grades. Eagles fans should be very satisfied with the analysis of a star in the making.
Campbell began his rookie season as a starter, flashing the athleticism and range that made him such an intriguing prospect. His role shifted as the year progressed, particularly when Nakobe Dean returned and reclaimed snaps, but that didnāt erase what was shown early.
If anything, it added context.
"The Eagles seemingly landed another steal in the draft when they switched spots at the end of the first round with the Chiefs to draft linebacker Jihaad Campbell out of Alabama. Campbell quickly made an impression in his rookie season, forcing a fumble on Cowboysā running back as was driving during the Eaglesā season-opening win. That fumble helped the Eagles hold onto their lead and gain their first win of the season... Over the course of the year, Campbell notched 80 total tackles, one forced fumble, one interception and three pass breakups. PFF graded him as theĀ 14th-best linebackerĀ in the league, and his role could certainly grow in 2026 after Nakobe Deanās departure in free agency."
Jihaad Campbell received an A grade for his performance in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to a recent analysis by Sports Illustrated.
Jihaad Campbell's selection is significant because he is the first true linebacker the Eagles have taken in the first round since 1979.
Jihaad Campbell began his rookie season as a starter, showcasing his athleticism and range, although his role changed as the season progressed.

Crosby emphasizes urgency for Penguins as they face 0-2 deficit against Flyers.

Atlanta Falcons may trade Kyle Pitts to regain a first-round pick.
Can Jack Kelly become the next standout BYU linebacker in the NFL?
76ers rookie V.J. Edgecombe impresses with 30 points in playoff win

Georgia Bulldogs trending for elite 4-star safety Jarrell Chandler after visit
Red Sox's 2026 season starts with a 4-0 loss to Yankees, echoing last year's defeat.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
Campbell wasn't overwhelmed. He wasn't exposed. He was part of a rotation, gaining experience while adjusting to the speed of the professional game. That's a much different conversation than the one surrounding past misses at the position.
There are still boxes to check. Heās working his way back from an offseason medical procedure. Consistency will be the next step in his development, but the foundation is there. Thatās what matters most.
Handing Campbell a solid mark while noting there's still plenty of room for growth is fair. That combination, early contribution paired with untapped upside, is exactly what teams hope for from a first-round selection. It's why the arrow is still pointing up. The Eagles didn't just draft Campbell for what he could do immediately. They drafted him for what he can become. If his trajectory holds, this may eventually be viewed as one of the more important picks of the Philadelphia Eagles' recent draft history.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jihaad Campbell earns an A grade after Eagles' 2025 draft day trade