Bleeding Green Nation
Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 5/9/25.
Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links ...
Projecting first-year roles for each of the Eagles’ 10 rookie draft picks - PhillyVoice
Round 1: LB Jihaad Campbell: I suppose the first question that should be asked about Campbell is, “Where is he going to play?” Campbell was recruited as an edge rusher out of high school, but he moved to linebacker at Bama, with some occasional reps on the edge. He has prototypical off-ball linebacker size at 6’3, 235. Change his position to edge defender, and, well, he doesn’t. As you can see, 99 percent of NFL edge rushers would outweigh him, 78 percent would be taller, and 92 percent would have longer arms. He does not have ideal size traits on the edge. I also thought the following video by Ted Nguyen did a nice job of highlighting Campbell’s strengths and weaknesses. Notably, one of his strengths is in coverage. Nguyen concluded — and I agree — that Campbell’s skill set is much more suited to off-ball linebacker than on the edge. It’s not that long. Just five minutes. It’s worth a the watch if you didn’t see it in our draft grades. However, because Campbell possesses that Zack Baun-like OBLB/EDGE versatility, he’s yet another player in the Eagles’ defense who can allow Fangio to get creative in his scheme disguises.
Eagles drafted a next-generation linebacker in Jihaad Campbell: Mike Mayock Q&A - Inquirer
Q: Do you think he’ll start in the off-ball linebacker room, or do you think they’ll cross-train him also with the edge guys with assistant Jeremiah Washburn? A: I think he starts as an off-the-ball linebacker, but I think when they’re doing individual pass-rush drills and things like that, he’s going to get some reps because he’s raw and he needs reps. When he stands up in the “A” gap, he’s too quick and athletic for the centers and guards and they’ll run a lot of twists and stunts with him coming around Jalen Carter or vice versa to free him inside or to free Jalen Carter. But they can line him up outside. I expect him to come along quickly.
2025 NFL draft: Best rookie team fits, perfect landing spots - ESPN
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles. Drafted: Round 1, No. 31. Why he fits: We know Campbell can play off-ball as a stack linebacker. The ability to fit the run game is there. But I also see the speed and coverage awareness to get to depth and close on the ball in a hurry as a zone defender. Campbell can blitz, too. Every single one of those traits helps Vic Fangio’s defense at the second level. Campbell can be more than a traditional linebacker in Philly. Like Zack Baun last season, Campbell has the physical skills to set an edge against the run. He can also align as an outside linebacker to rush the passer, using his first-step quickness and lower-body flexibility to run the hoop....
