Young Eagles phenom has massive upside, but still has plenty to learn: ‘It’s been choppy’

PHILADELPHIA — As a rookie last year, Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell showed tremendous upside, but potential alone won’t be enough.

Campbell has to become a consistent playmaker for Philadelphia’s defense to have an elite season in 2026.

Halfway through his rookie season, Campbell’s role was reduced by the Eagles, with Nakobe Dean starting the second half of the season before departing for the Raiders this offseason. Now, the Eagles are moving forward with Campbell as their starter.

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The Eagles need their 2025 first-round pick to be a difference-maker each week. Can he do it?

“That remains to be seen,” Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Thursday when asked if Campbell is ready to handle more responsibility this season. “It’s been choppy, but we’re confident he can do it.”

Campbell has elite speed, great size (6-3, 235 pounds) and outstanding talent, but he can take his game to another level by knowing where to be on every play. The best NFL linebackers are both uniquely athletic and super smart.

“The biggest part about experience, especially for a linebacker, is just like knowing the mental part of the game, knowing how to dissect [plays],” Campbell said after Thursday’s training camp practice. “What routes to expect, what run schemes to expect, knowing what gap you have or gap exchange you have, or knowing what man you have. That’s the biggest thing.”

Campbell said he has gotten stronger this offseason, which should help him take on blocks and stay healthy. He underwent offseason shoulder surgery this year and had surgery on his other shoulder last offseason before he was drafted. Campbell’s shoulder pain bothered him last season, but now he is feeling healthy again — and it’s showing.

“Just taking my mind off it and really just having a little bit of self time,” Campbell said about his offseason. “Trying to understand, ‘Ok, what do I want my regimen to look like for the offseason going into camp and going into the season?’ So, that was the biggest achievement for me this offseason.”

Campbell spent time this offseason watching the best linebackers in the NFL, studying their techniques to improve his game.

Working against Philadelphia’s new-look offense has exposed him to different formations, which has expanded his football IQ.

Focusing on one position this year could slow things down for him.

Last year, Campbell played on the edge in certain packages, with the Eagles believing he had potential as a starting pass rusher. Fangio revealed Thursday that the Eagles no longer plan to make Campbell an edge rusher.

Campbell is ready to settle into his starting spot as a linebacker and continue to get better. He finished last season with 80 tackles and an interception.

“Whatever Vic says, he’s the big dog,” Campbell said. “I believe in coach Fangio. I believe in his process and his understanding of how he actually wants things to look for his defense. We put our trust in him and go out there and execute.”

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