Saquon Barkley compares Eagles rookie LB Jihaad Campbell to Micah Parsons

Through the first part of training camp, Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jihaad Campbell is making quite the impression. The former Alabama star could become a key piece of the Philadelphia defense, and Saquon Barkley took notice.

Barkley offered high praise for Campbell earlier this week as the Eagles got ready for their preseason opener. He specifically noted the athleticism that jumps off the page, which shows a high ceiling.

In fact, Barkley went so far as to compare Campbell’s build to Micah Parsons. It’s safe to say the star running back is high on the rookie linebacker’s potential.

“Super raw. Like, freaky athletic,” Barkley said of Campbell. “I think he’s going to be a real big problem for a lot of guys in the league who have to go against him and block him. He’s kind of built like Micah [Parsons] a little bit. I’ve known Micah for a long time. So I feel like as he grows and learns the game a little bit more, you’re going to be able to put him in different spots.”

Campbell put together an impressive three-year run at Alabama, but saved his best season for last. He set career-highs with 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and five sacks to anchor the Crimson Tide defense while also recording his second career interception.

From there, Campbell declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Eagles selected him No. 31 overall in the first round. Now, he’s looking to make his mark and is opening eyes in the early part of camp. However, Barkley said there’s one area Campbell especially needs to focus. Sometimes – as is the case sometimes with rookies – he gets a little too aggressive.

“Just raw, uber athletic, can fly, aggressive. Probably too aggressive at camp right now, to be honest,” Barkley said with a smile. “Got to teach him to stay away from the guys in red and knowing when to tag off and take shots. You’d rather him be more aggressive than not.

“It’s fun. It’s fun to get to go against him every single day. And he asks a lot of questions. … Really excited for him.”

Jihaad Campbell will now join a talented Eagles defense which is coming off the franchise’s second-ever Super Bowl title last year. Philadelphia returns several key starters from last year’s team, led by Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis up front as well as cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell after they flourished as rookies.