Bleeding Green Nation
Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 6/26/25.
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2025 NFL linebacker unit rankings: Eagles, Patriots carry elite units - PFF
1. Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia holds the top spot in these rankings with a stacked linebacker unit that only got better this offseason. They handed Zack Baun a well-deserved contract extension after he finished 2024 with a league-leading 90.2 PFF overall grade. Nakobe Dean wasn’t far behind, placing 11th among qualified linebackers (77.4). The team drafted insurance for Dean’s postseason injury in Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell, who was the 2025 class’ best linebacker. Youngsters Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. also provide quality depth.
Eagles 2025 most important list: Jihaad Campbell - NBCSP
As much as the Eagles talked up Campbell’s potential as a pass rusher when they drafted him, the Eagles have had Campbell with the inside linebackers so far. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said the reason is that there’s more to learn at that spot. But it’s also very possible Fangio simply sees him as a linebacker. That wouldn’t be such a bad thing either. Campbell is 6-3, 244 pounds and seems to have a similar build and skillset as Zack Baun, who was an All-Pro linebacker under Fangio in 2024. Campbell certainly doesn’t mind that comp. “That type of guy being on the No. 1 defense in the nation, which is the Philadelphia Eagles,” Campbell said after getting drafted, “I got a chance to definitely watch some film and watch some tape on him and just see how special he is.” Campbell was recruited as a pass rusher by Alabama but eventually settled in as a stud linebacker. In 2024, he started 13 games at Alabama and had 117 tackles, 11 1/2 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups and an interception. He then went to the Combine and impressed with a 40-yard time of 4.52 seconds and a broad jump of 10-7.
Eagles schedule preview: Los Angeles Rams - BGN
Biggest question facing this team: Can the two different timelines the Rams are on meet for one glorious season? Matthew Stafford is 37, the 2nd oldest starting QB in the league unless Joe Flacco wins the job in Cleveland. Stafford was really good last year, keeping the Rams treading water early in the season when Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were out, then going 9-3 with a full strength roster. But he’s only got so many good years left, and at his age it is possible he doesn’t have any. Aging out can hit hard in the NFL, and if they need to the Rams can get out of his contract after this season. Even with a geezer at QB, the Rams had one of the youngest rosters in the league last year. In back to back seasons they have had two players receive top 3 rookie of the year votes: Jared Verse won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, Puka Nacua finished 2nd for...
