Jihaad Campbell reveals what the Philadelphia Eagles are getting in their 2025 first-round pick

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is getting endless praise across the league for looking like a genius after trading up one spot with the Kansas City Chiefs to secure versatile defender Jihaad Campbell at No. 31. 

While everything appears perfect on paper, the hope now is that Campbell proves to Philly that he was worth moving up for. 

However, that should not be a problem. 

“I like being a football player,” Campbell told reports after he was draft “I like being an absolute baller. A dude that can do everything, that can learn and grow, and just maximize each and every opportunity that I have to play this game.” 

Campbell, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound force from Alabama, entered the draft with top-15 buzz behind his name but ultimetley slid to the Eagles a lot late, making him a steal for Philly. He was game-wrecker in his final season at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide with 117 tackles, including a team-best 54 solo stops. He put his dominance on full display and racked up 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pick. His monster performance earned him first-team All-SEC honors and semifinalist nods for both the Bednarik and Butkus Awards. 

Campbell’s ability to player off-ball linebacker and a pass-rusher addresses two major needs for Philly’s defense. His all-around skill set gives defensive coordinator Vic Fangio a versatile playmaker to unleash, not to mention a high-upside project who could blossom into a future NFL star much sooner rather than later. 

As Campbell makes the jump the the NFL, he plans to mirror Zack Baun for guidance, a player with a similar past whom he has compared himself to.

“I definitely got to go with Zack Baun, for sure,” Campbell of his NFL comparison. “Him just being versatile, and his instincts. His awareness of the game is definitely special.”

That would work out in everyone's favor.