Jihaad Campbell didn't fit in the LB room, and doesn't seem to have much of an immediate future as an EDGE rusher. Campbell hasn't lost the confidence of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, but, amidst his adjustment to new positions, he is struggling and off the field more than ever. Campbell has even been deployed at the nickel as the coaching staff searches for a fit.
Fangio tried to explain the problem away, labeling it as a "good" problem to have.
"Part of what happened last week, too, was we were down to three OLBs. We got Jihaad. He’s been playing OLB in base, but then we wanted to teach him the nickel [end] stuff, too, in case we needed him there. His week last week was choppy from a mental standpoint in learning a new position and learning new assignments that he hadn’t been exposed to before because of our lack of guys at that position. That played a part in him not playing as much, but overall, it’s a good problem," Fangio said, via Eagles Wire's Geoffrey Knox of USA Today Sports.
It may be a good problem to have for Fangio and his defensive staff members, but not so much for Campbell. He's struggling to find the field, having played 19 snaps during a 38-20 win over the New York Giants in Week 8 at the Linc.
Brandon Graham and Nolan Smith Can be a Problem for Jihaad Campbell
While Fangio sounds unenthused about the support he's getting from GM Howie Roseman, it's not to say that he's completely out on the group that was assembled. In fact, he was extremely high on the injury return of Nolan Smith Jr. and the unretirement of Brandon Graham. Graham was signed after Za'Darius Smith's sudden retirement earlier this month.
Campbell faces a good bit of competition ahead of him to find more snaps. The 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide first-round draft product could be a depth piece by the end of the regular season, assuming injuries don't thrust him into a bigger role. On the season, the rookie has 45 total tackles to his name in eight games played, to go along with one forced fumble and one interception.
With the team giving second-rounder Andrew Mukuba a bigger role, their chances of repeating as Super Bowl champions rest on a young group made up of several rookies. Campbell may not be as involved just yet. Fangio doesn't sound the least bit worried about it, for what that's worth.