Training camp has begun for the Philadelphia Eagles, and their rookie class is taking the opportunity to show what they have. While some players are looking for a roster spot, others are making their initial push toward a starting job on a team that is looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
With Josh Sweat, Milton Williams and Mekhi Becton departing in free agency, the Eagles have a lot to figure out before they open the year against the Dallas Cowboys. But one rookie in particular is already making his mark and took a massive step towards starting in Week 1 during the opening days of training camp.
Eagles Rookie Jihaad Campbell Takes 1st-Team Reps on Saturday
Eagles first-round pick Jihaad Campbell has been one of the early surprises of camp, mainly because some didn’t expect him to be ready coming off shoulder surgery. But after an impressive first practice earlier in the week, Campbell is already climbing the depth chart, mixing in with the first-team defense on Saturday, according to PHLY’s Zach Berman.
Three practices into camp, Jihaad Campbell is mixing in with the first-team defense.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) July 26, 2025
This is looking like it’s on track for a Baun-Campbell combo on September 4 vs. Dallas.
Berman proclaimed that all things are on track for a Zack Baun-Campbell combo to open the season, which is probably what the Eagles had in mind when they selected the Alabama product with the 31st overall pick in April’s draft.
A second-team All-America selection for the Crimson Tide, Campbell established himself as a potential top 10 pick with 117 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, an interception, two pass defenses, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and five sacks in 2024. While he was one of the top linebacker prospects in this year’s class, he fell due to concerns with his shoulder, giving Philadelphia a potential steal at the end of the first round.
Campbell’s emergence as a Week 1 starter would be a great thing for Vic Fangio’s defense. Nakobe Dean is likely to start the year on the PUP list after tearing his patellar tendon last January, and Campbell could be a perfect partner for Baun, who emerged as an All-Pro linebacker last season.
Fangio dumped cold water on Campbell’s fast start earlier this week, citing the responsibilities in his defense. But if things keep going on this trajectory, the rookie could be in for a massive role when Philadelphia opens its title defense.