Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The buzz building around Jihaad Campbell is impossible to ignore

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles | By Ryan O'Leary | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 12:05 PM ET

The biggest steal of the 2025 NFL Draft has been hiding in plain sight, right in the middle of the most star-studded roster in football.

But make no mistake — the trajectory of Philadelphia Eagles rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell has been impossible to ignore, now three weeks into his pro career.

Campbell has been money for general manager Howie Roseman and Philly’s young defense. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks fifth on the team in defensive snaps with 177, virtually never leaving the field alongside All-Pro Zack Baun. He’s shown considerable value in pass coverage, allowing just a 56.3 passer rating when targeted. The 21-year-old has also been remarkably disciplined, committing only one penalty through three games.

Even with Nakobe Dean off the field, still working his way back from January knee surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon, the Eagles arguably boast the best inside linebacker duo in football.

Both Jihaad Campbell and Zack Baun are graded as top 10 LBs through 3 weeks:

4) Zack Baun: 88.8
9) Jihaad Campbell 84.6

Could be the best duo in the league.#Eagles pic.twitter.com/rpcfoQDTMN
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) September 22, 2025

As for the NFL's 2025 rookie class as a whole? It’s only September, and Philly already has another top candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Jihaad Campbell named NFL’s top defensive rookie through 3 games by Pro Football Focus

Lauren Gray of PFF gave Campbell some love on Tuesday, ranking him third among the NFL’s top 15 rookie performers through three games; overall, he’s the site’s top-graded rookie defender.

“Campbell now boasts a 90.1 PFF coverage grade on the season (fourth best). He has allowed two catches for 11 yards across four targets and is holding quarterbacks to a 56.3 passer rating when targeted. His resume also includes a 72.0 PFF run-defense grade, with eight tackles across 68 snaps.”

A closer look at Gray’s list adds some perspective. The No. 1 spot belongs to Buffalo Bills tight end Jackson Hawes, a fifth-round pick who’s playing part-time as Buffalo’s No. 3 tight end. The No. 2 spot belongs to New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo, who had a productive showing against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night… but we’re talking about a Day 3 prospect out of Arizona State here.

1. ??
2. Cam Skattebo, NYG
3. Jihaad Campbell, PHI
4. ??

PFF’s Top 15 Highest Graded Rookies This Season⬇️https://t.co/f7yjPrBban
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 23, 2025

Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, a fellow Day 1 starter at middle linebacker who was taken two picks after Campbell, ranks fourth on PFF’s list. Giants pass rusher Abdul Carter, the presumed front-runner for 2025 DROY, hasn’t yet cracked the top 15.

These rankings are highly subjective, but they lead to a clear and obvious conclusion entering Week 4 of the season. The Eagles have hit some recent home runs with Jalen Carter, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean; that Campbell is already on that same trajectory is, frankly, unbelievable.

Roseman and the Eagles are on an epic run. All we can do is sit back and enjoy it.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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