The Philadelphia Eagles' love of drafting Georgia Bulldogs prospects is well established. On the team's current roster alone, there are seven former Bulldogs. This netted the Eagles one of the most dominating defenders in the league in defensive lineman Jalen Carter. This year's draft, the team took a different approach, drafting exciting linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
While it is an undeniably exciting fit, there are injury concerns that are going to slow the linebacker's transition to the next level. However, the team does have Nakob Dean as a great starting option until Campbell is ready to take over. Even in this case, it seems likely Dean is simply going to be shifted around, still playing a pivotal role in the Philly defense. As the team eases Campbell back, however, there has been a surprise rookie standout who could demand snaps early in the season.
Former Georgia Linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. is Catching the Attention of Eagles Fans
The linebacker was a potential value pick whose value was hurt by college injuries. Now that the linebacker is healthy there is reason to wonder how many snaps he could steal from Campbell and fellow Georgia alum Nakobe Dean.
Mondon's potential fit within the Philly defense is easy to envision when watching the linebacker's college highlights or looking at the early camp performance. Mondon plays with an edge and attitude that define Georgia's defense. This is the exact same approach that allowed the Eagles to bully Patrick Mahomes in route to a Super Bowl blowout win. Mondon shouldn't be ignored simply based on where he was selected.
The only reason Mondon was on the board was due to a foot injury that limited the linebacker's ceiling for the 2024 season. Without the injury, Mondon has the talent to be an early day two selection and a surprise impact player for the Eagles.
As exciting as Jihaad Campbell might be, the Alabama product isn't the only linebacker Philly fans are getting excited to watch. It is a welcome problem to have when looking at the difficult road of navigating snaps for this much talent. It aids fans' hopes that perhaps Philly will follow in the path of Kansas City and become the league's next dynasty.