The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles added to their defense in a big way on Thursday, drafting former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 31st overall pick.
It was a history-making move for the Eagles, who haven’t taken an off-ball linebacker in the first round of the NFL draft since 1979 (Jerry Robinson).
Campbell is coming off a good three-year collegiate career at the University of Alabama. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker had a stellar 2024 season with the Crimson Tide, racking up 117 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, and five sacks en route to being named first-team All-SEC.
The former Crimson Tide is a New Jersey native and grew up as an Eagles fan. After being drafted by the Birds with pick 31, Campbell already endeared himself to the fanbase.
The new Eagles’ rookie linebacker posted “Fly Eagles Fly Baby” on Twitter, followed by “Knew it was meant to be,” which was in response to a post from the Eagles' official account.
FLY EAGLES FLY BABY 🦅
— Jihaad Campbell (@RealJihaadC) April 25, 2025
Knew it was meant to be!! https://t.co/uUiLqR7jWL
— Jihaad Campbell (@RealJihaadC) April 25, 2025
Eagles fans are shocked and ecstatic to see the team get a linebacker, who will be tasked with getting pressure off the edge, something he’s very good at doing. Heading into the NFL draft, most draft analysts had Campbell locked in as a top-20 pick.
However, the former Alabama standout is recovering from left shoulder surgery on a torn labrum that he underwent following the NFL Scouting Combine. Earlier this week, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Campbell received word from Dr. Lyle Cain that he should be ready for training camp.
#Bama LB Jihaad Campbell, a top-15 talent in the 2025 NFL Draft who will be in Green Bay, visited #Cowboys and #Falcons, among others.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2025
Recovering from a torn labrum, Campbell got word from respected Dr. Lyle Cain that he should be ready for training camp. He is already running. pic.twitter.com/RjOSDQvyeC
Based on his excitement during the NFL draft and afterwards, Eagles fans cannot wait to see how long-time defensive coordinator Vic Fangio employs Campbell. The Eagles believe they got their Micah Parsons-esque player off the edge, which could take this defense to new heights in 2025.