Quiet optimism is the prevailing thought when mentioning expectations for Jihaad Campbell’s first Eagles season.
It has been a long time since we last discussed a linebacker of this caliber that the Philadelphia Eagles drafted this early. It had been 45 years (Jerry Robinson in 1979) since Philadelphia drafted a linebacker in the first Round 1 of the NFL Draft.
Now, saying that will force many to point in Nolan Smith’s direction. We love him and all. He’s listed as an outside linebacker, but let’s be frank. That isn’t his job. He is an edge rusher, a designated pass rusher tasked with hunting in Vic Fangio’s scheme.
Jihaad Campbell is a true linebacker. Taken 31st during the most recent draft, he earned First-Team All-SEC honors during his final season at the NCAA level. He joins a unit already featuring the likes of Zack Baun and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Campbell and Nakobe Dean are both injured and are expected to miss time early during the 2025-26 title defense, but they’ll both return and contribute at some point. That leads us to the obvious question. We’ve seen what Dean can do. What might we expect from Jihaad Campbell during his first Eagles season?
Frankly, we’re glad you asked. Here are a few ideas.
Jihaad Campbell notches 60-65 tackles and three sacks
Don’t ask where this number comes from. For whatever reason, the words’ ’11 games’ just popped into our heads.
No one knows how long it will be before Jihaad Campbell takes the field. We’re going to assume a six-game absence at the beginning of the season allows us to heal.
So, figure 11 games in total. Figure six tackles per contest. Figure 60-65 tackles during his rookie season. While you’re at it, with Zack Baun occupying the middle linebacker position, let’s throw in three sacks for good measure.
Campbell adds a pair of interceptions, a forced fumble, and four pass breakups to the Eagles’ cause.
Campbell never notched a forced fumble before his final season with the Crimson Tide. Last season, with an expanded role and increased playing time, he advanced two positions.
He grabbed an interception in each of his final two seasons and broke up at least two fumbles. That begs two questions. Is he that type of playmaker? Can he become that player at the professional level if that isn’t already in his nature?
We’re pretty confident about this prediction: in 11 games, we expect around 60 to 65 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and four pass breakups. Make a note of it or take a picture. Just remember, this is strictly for entertainment purposes, so please don’t involve any sportsbooks.
Jihaad Campbell finishes second or third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
This prediction has nothing to do with Campbell’s ability or our belief in him. We’ve just seen too many Eagles get screwed during these award shows to believe it won’t continue happening.
Mike Vrabel won NFL Coach of the Year over Nick Sirianni in 2021. We still believe Haason Reddick should have taken Defensive Player of the Year over Nick Bosa one year later.
But let’s say we’re wrong and you disagree. Sirianni definitely should have won Coach of the Year over Brian Daboll, and Brandon Graham should have been named Comeback Player of the Year over Geno Smith.
Do we even need to get into Saquon Barkley and the MVP discussion last season?
Long stories made shorter, Jihaad Campbell is fully capable of winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but the early absences will cost him. Abdul Carter is probably going to take home the trophy. Still, a respectable season by Campbell on a defending world champion will help him become a finalist and garner a top-three finish.
