If the Philadelphia Eagles are going to successfully defend their title in 2025, they’re going to need some new faces to lead the way. This year’s team looks drastically different from the one that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans last February, and the Eagles will have to replace some of the players that left, including free agents Mekhi Becton, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams.
While the free agent departures have left some voids, so have some returning players that may not replicate last year’s performance or will begin the year on the injured list. It’s opened the door for one Eagles rookie to make a positive impression at training camp and already become a menace on the first day of practice.
Eagles LB Jihaad Campbell Already Proving His Worth at Training Camp
The Eagles made a surprising choice in April’s draft when they traded up one spot at the back end of the first round to select linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Campbell was a wrecking ball for Alabama last season, racking up 119 total tackles with five sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble recovery, but his availability for the start of training camp was in question after undergoing shoulder surgery for a torn labrum.
Fortunately for Eagles fans, Campbell is here and already making an impact. Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports noted that Campbell was working with Philadelphia’s second-team defense during practice on Wednesday and made his presence felt with a pass breakup on a Tanner McKee pass.
Jihaad Campbell with a pass breakup on a Tanner McKee.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 23, 2025
Not a great throw by McKee, but Danny Gray was open.
Campbell is with Smeal Mondon on 2nd-team defense at LB. #Eagles
John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia added that Campbell was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice and altered a Jalen Hurts pass while pressuring on a blitz. Clark also noted that Campbell is “so athletic and can be used all over,” showing why the Eagles took the gamble many teams didn’t last April.
Campbell just blitzed Jalen Hurts and affected throw. He is so athletic and can be used all over. https://t.co/P7lrOZxHjj
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 23, 2025
The fact that Campbell is practicing is a positive sign. The Eagles took Campbell, knowing that Nakobe Dean’s availability for the 2025 season is in jeopardy after tearing his patellar tendon during the Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers last January.
While Dean broke out with 128 total tackles, three sacks, and an interception, four pass defenses, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, his absence leaves a massive hole next to All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun as he starts camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
If Campbell progresses during training camp, he could be in line to push for a starting job at the beginning of the season. While the Eagles may be practicing in shorts and shells at this portion of camp, it could be the start to a strong rookie season. That could give the Eagles the depth needed to overcome Dean’s injury and continue to contend in the NFC, paving the way for another draft pick general manager Howie Roseman to hit pay dirt this fall.