Philadelphia Eagles linebacker, Jihaad Campbell has been one of the NFL’s most dominant rookies all season long.

The NFL Draft is such a fickle time in the calendar year, because front offices start to  second guess everything they originally began believing in.

Campbell is the perfect example of that.

The rookie out of Alabama has been impressing everyone around the league, that sometimes you forget that he was the second to last pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Campbell was predicted to go anywhere from pick 10 to 22, but the consensus seemed to be that he was one of, if not the best linebacker in the draft.

Seems like a no brainer, right? Only for one team.

Eagles Executive Vice President and General Manager, Howie Roseman had his eyes set on Campbell, who at the time was recovering from a torn labrum. But at one point, the Eagles, who had pick number 32, was ready to trade up to 22 with the Chargers to take him.

At that point, it was a blessing in disguise, because talent just fell right into the Eagles’ lap once again. Just like it did with Jalen Carter. Just like it did with Cooper DeJean. Just like it did with Nolan Smith. The Eagles just keep finding their way to premier talent.

Roseman knew as the 31st pick was going to the Kansas City Chiefs, that he couldn’t wait any longer, he needed to get his guy no matter what.

"Wasn't really something we anticipated. Understand some of the other teams may have reasons for taking other players, but for us, this was a real easy pick.”

Just this past week in the win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Campbell possibly had the most impactful game of them all.

He posted four tackles, zero missed tackles, two pressures, two hurries, a forced fumble, and an interception to top it all off.

Now, a new dynamic may be opening up for Campbell. Linebacker Nakobe Dean has been out with an injury and recently, his 21-day practice window was opened. Should Dean not be ready by the time that window ends, he’ll be forced to miss the season.

So why exactly is this significant? Because Campbell has been filling in for Dean this whole time and should Dean make his full return, it allows Campbell to switch to the edge – something that opposing teams should fear.

He has played edge for most of his career, and not only did he lead Alabama in sacks last season, but he led in tackles for loss.

If Campbell can go back to where he was most comfortable, it can be a scary sight for anyone who has to face the Eagles this season.

Should Dean not be able to come back, then that’s OK. Nolan Smith will be back on the edge, and Campbell can continue serving as a linebacker.

The Eagles next game takes place at Lincoln Financial Field against the Denver Broncos with a 1 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS.