Jihaad Campbell continues to justify the Eagles' first-round investment

The Philadelphia Eagles don’t often spend first-round capital on linebackers. That’s 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.

The Eagles' Jihaad Campbell acquisition receives an A grade one year later.

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 didn’t 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 Cowboys’ running back as was driving during the Eagles’ 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 the 14th-best linebacker in the league, and his role could certainly grow in 2026 after Nakobe Dean’s departure in free agency."