Jihaad Campbell's usage in rookie season with Eagles revealed based on latest buzz

While offseason workouts aren't the best way to determine what is going to happen in the upcoming season, what fans have been hearing from the Philadelphia Eagles' workouts could give them a better idea on what's coming up in 2025.

The Eagles are hoping to get a lot out of their first-round pick, Jihaad Campbell, who was originally a projected mid-first-round pick before his injury last year. Philadelphia was able to get him in perfect Howie Roseman style, with him dropping right into their laps.

Campbell and Nakobe Dean have been dealing with recovering from surgeries this offseason, so they didn't really get to work out with the team. The biggest question will be with Campbell's delay in development. What will his role be in Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's defense in 2025?

Latest buzz revealed Campbell's role in 2025

Bleacher Report writer Brent Sobleski shared insights on each of the rookies dealing with injuries and what the latest buzz is on their roles in 2025. Based on everything said during offseason workouts, Campbell might play a more rotational role and be used offensively, with an inclusion into pressure packages throughout the season.

"Linebacker Jihaad Campbell looked like a lock to become a top-15 selection before a shoulder injury came to light prior to the NFL draft. The injury will likely limit his effectiveness in Year 1.

Campbell needed shoulder surgery after the NFL Scouting combine, according to ESPN's Jordan Reid. The Philadelphia Eagles stopped the linebacker's draft-day slide with the 31st overall pick (after swapping selections with the Kansas City Chiefs).

The rookie isn't scheduled to practice until some point in August, according to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, which could limit his effectiveness this season while simultaneously providing another young linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., with more opportunities.

Once Campbell is healthy and stars working his way into the lineup, his skill set coupled with the missed time will likely keep him as a rotational piece. The 21-year-old prospect has the traits and athleticism to be an outstanding off-ball linebacker. However, he began his collegiate career as an edge defender. He can eventually provide the Eagles with significant flexibility, much like Zack Baun already does.

Although, an expanded role with multiple responsibilities may be too much to ask early in Campbell's career."

According to NFL Next Gen stats, Campbell had the best overall grade among linebackers at the NFL Combine, with a score of 82. He was still able to participate in some of the drills at the Combine, but skipped Alabama's Pro Day.

Campbell was a second-team All-SEC selection last year after leading the Crimson Tide with 117 tackles and adding 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, and one interception in 13 games. The torn labrum in his shoulder was the only primary concern with him coming into the NFL Draft before the Eagles selected him.

His projected return is in mid-August, as Dean and Zack Baun are expected to be the starters at inside linebacker. Campbell and Trotter could split time in the rotation.,

This could end up being a similar approach to what the Eagles have employed with most of their young defenders in the past, such as Nolan Smith Jr., Jalen Carter, and Jordan Davis. The Eagles won't rush Campbell onto the field and will give him the time needed to develop since the starting linebackers are already strong enough.

Eagles fans shouldn't expect a Defensive Rookie of the Year award from Campbell, but they should be ready for a dominant force in the middle of the defense in the future.