Grading Eagles' First Round Pick Jihaad Campbell: Vic Fangio gets another versatile stud to mold into a star

Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles were so eager to snag versatile Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell in the 2025 NFL Draft, they traded up one spot with the Kansas City Chiefs to get him. 

Although Campbell arrives in Philly still recovering from recent shoulder surgery, Roseman and company remain completely unconcerned.

"A top-10 player on our board. We do not have any long-term concerns with his health," Roseman told reporters after the pick. "We look at the draft as a long-term opportunity for our team. We have a lot of confidence this guy's going to be here and play at a really high level for a long time."

Eagles Round 1 Grade: A

Campbell (6-foot-2 and 235 pounds) entered the draft as a projected top-15 pick, and the Eagles landed him at No. 31 overall. 

​In his final season at Alabama, Campbell emerged as one of college football's premier linebackers, leading the Crimson Tide defense with 117 total tackles, including a team-high 54 solo stops. He also recorded 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. His standout performances earned him first-team All-SEC honors and semifinalist nods for both the Bednarik and Butkus Awards.

What the Eagles love so much about Campbell is his ability to play off-ball linebacker and rush the passer, killing two birds with one stone in the Philly defensive needs department. His versatility to do both gives defensive coordinator Vic Fangio more options and a fun toy to mold into an eventual NFL star. 

I think with the overall draft value along with massive upside that comes with Campbell and where the Eagles landed him on Day 1, it's hard to argue anything but an "A" for the pick.