Even though the Philadelphia Eagles clinched back-to-back NFC East titles, they are still playing for playoff seeding in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills. It's great news for the defense that defensive tackle Jalen Carter will be back in action after missing the last three games. But at the same time, there will also be movement at linebacker.
LB Nakobe Dean suffered a hamstring injury in the win over the Washington Commanders and will be sidelined versus Buffalo. That has led to rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell being returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Week 8.
Even though his playing time has been slashed upon Dean's return, Campbell's mindset is well beyond his years and makes things more difficult in terms of finding the right balance in the LB room.
When speaking to the media this week, he said, via The Athletic's Zach Berman, "I think it’s all about learning and growing. I look up now, and it’s (Week 17) of my rookie year, so it’s moving fast, moving pretty quickly, and it’s all about squeezing as much as I can in this first year and understanding what’s at task, and what I have to do to prepare to be the best version of myself.”
His response to an up-and-down rookie season highlights the maturity that Campbell possesses at 21 years old. And that makes things that much harder when looking at the LB room.
Jihaad Campbell Owns a Great Mindset Despite Being Benched
As Dean was rehabbing at the beginning of the season due to a torn patellar tendon, Campbell was thrust into the starting lineup and answered the call. Through the first seven weeks of the season, he had 43 total tackles, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He quickly showed that he could step in and be effective at the second level of the defense.
According to Pro Football Focus, he owns a 75.9 overall grade (14th among 86 graded linebackers), 67.7 run defense grade (44th), and a 78 coverage grade (5th). PFF grades don't always tell the full story, but it's hard to look at those grades and not be impressed.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said that Campbell did "fine" over the first half of the season, which is actually praise from Fangio, who doesn't really give props to players publicly.
He added that Campbell's development was halted when they moved him to EDGE when the Eagles needed bodies there. Despite that, the Eagles feel pretty fine putting him back into the lineup. And with Dean recovering from a hamstring strain, there's no telling how long Campbell will be in the starting lineup.
If the Alabama product picks up where he left off earlier in the season, it'll make things that much harder in the LB room. Especially since Dean has played fairly well in 2025. In 10 games this season, he's compiled 55 total tackles, seven TFLs, six QB hits, and four sacks.
It's clear the coaching staff trusts Dean, as he's a veteran who's been effective in this scheme. Yet things are always changing in the NFL, and the linebacker rotation is something to keep an eye on in the city of Brotherly Love.