Despite a disappointing season on the offensive side of the ball, the Philadelphia Eagles still won the NFC East based purely on the strength of their defense. Under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Eagles' defense was fifth in points allowed per game and sixth-lowest in EPA (expected points added) per play. Their exceptional play on the defensive side of the ball was the catalyst for their success.
Nakobe Dean was one of the key contributors behind that success; however, he is most likely leaving town when free agency begins next month. The best part of this defense last year was how well-rounded it was, but without Dean, the future of the Eagles' linebacker room is up in the air.
General manager Howie Roseman has nailed drafts by not drafting for current need, but instead aiming for who will help the team down the line. That exact thought process is what landed former Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell in the City of Brotherly Love.
Now, the future of the Eagles' LB situation could hinge on what Campbell does next.
Eagles Should Be Excited by Jihaad Campbell's Potential
Campbell was a standout at Alabama and was highly touted for his coverage ability. In a league where teams are only getting more comfortable targeting their tight ends, linebackers that can be relied on in coverage, like Campbell, can be foundational pieces of defensive units.
This is the exact skill set that Dean has brought to the team. Dean is a very solid coverage player who reads the quarterback's eyes at a high level, making it difficult for offenses to pass over the middle of the field.
Due to Dean missing time with an injury, we've been able to see just how capable Campbell is of playing the starting WILL role. Campbell ended the season with the second-most coverage snaps among the team's linebackers during his rookie campaign, and he was just third among all linebackers in tight window forced percentage (per NFL Pro).
Much like Dean, Campbell's primary contribution will be his coverage ability, but he will still be a plus defender in the box. While he's not a thumper, he is phenomenal at navigating traffic and cleaning up on the second level. His combination of instincts and speed makes him a superb fit for a defense that can consistently win at the line of scrimmage.
While Campbell is entering just his second year in the NFL, last year's film speaks for itself. He was an exceptional complement to Pro Bowl linebacker Zack Baun. With Dean likely asking for a huge chunk of money, it may be in the Eagles' best interest to let him walk and rely on the former first-rounder to fill his role. Pressure creates diamonds in the NFL, so putting more responsibilities on Campbell's shoulders could lead to something great.
It wasn't too long ago that Dean found himself in a similar situation to Campbell. When he was drafted in 2022, Dean had to wait on the bench behind Kyzir White and T.J. Edwards. Having a reliable player like Dean on the bench eventually gave Howie Roseman the freedom to move on and get both younger and cheaper at the position.
The great general managers can avoid overpaying certain players by consistently hitting on draft picks. Due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder after the 2025 combine, which hurt his draft stock, the Eagles were able to get a top-15 talent with the 31st pick.
Now, the ball is in Campbell's court. If he can take that next step forward, the Eagles will have one less defensive concern to worry about moving forward, giving them a great shot at building on last season's success.