Eagles Make a Bold Move: Jihaad Campbell Joins the Team

Football has taken Jihaad Campbell on quite the journey, from South Jersey to Florida and back again. In a strategic move during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles traded up one spot to select the talented linebacker from the University of Alabama with the No. 31 overall pick.

Born in Erial, Gloucester Township, New Jersey, Campbell spent his formative years at Timber Creek High School, just 17 miles from Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles' home turf. Standing tall at 6-foot-3 and weighing 244 pounds, Campbell showcased his skills last season with 54 solo tackles, five sacks, and one interception, despite battling injuries throughout the year.

Reflecting on the moment he was drafted, Campbell shared, "Once I saw the 215 number, I was like, 'Hmm, interesting.' Howie was like, 'Do you know who this is? It's Howie.' It was a surreal moment for me and my family. My grandfather watched the Eagles during the Randall Cunningham days and loved the team. It was a special moment for us."

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman expressed confidence in Campbell, stating that he was among the top 10 players on their draft board. "For us, this was an easy pick," Roseman remarked. "He's a real explosive player who can play inside and be an edge rusher. We feel fortunate to bring him home to Philly."

Roseman brushed aside any worries regarding Campbell's injury history, emphasizing the long-term vision the Eagles have for their team. "We see the draft as a long-term opportunity," he explained. "We have a lot of confidence that this guy is going to be here and play at a really high level for a long time."

Interestingly, the reigning champion Eagles held the No. 32 pick but decided to trade it to their Super Bowl rival, Kansas City, to secure Campbell. Before his time at Alabama, Campbell spent his final high school season at IMG Academy in Florida, ultimately choosing Alabama over other powerhouse programs like Clemson, Florida, Georgia, and Texas A&M. Over three seasons with the Crimson Tide, he accumulated 184 total tackles in 35 games.

"We believe he's a versatile player who can do a lot of different things," said Eagles coach Nick Sirianni. "The main thing you notice is the speed he plays with and his relentless effort, which is crucial for our defense."

Roseman revealed that he had attempted to move up even higher in the draft to select Campbell, finally striking a deal with the Chiefs to ensure they got their guy. "We're very excited about what he's going to bring to the team," he said. "This wasn't just a need pick. There were other players we liked at our spot, but Campbell stood out to us. We didn't want to lose him."