Larry Henry Jr
One of the country’s standout collegiate linebackers is coming to Philadelphia.
Jihaad Campbell was selected No. 31 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of Thursday’s 2025 NFL Draft. The Eagles moved up one spot in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs in order to select Campbell at No. 31.
“We think he is a versatile player who can do a lot of different things,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said about Campbell. “Obviously, the main thing that you see is the energy that he plays with, the speed that he plays with, and relentless effort that he plays with, and that fits on defense.”
The 6-feet-3, 244 lb. linebacker started in two seasons at the University of Alabama, becoming one of the SEC’s defensive stars. Campbell’s production increased majorly in 2024, as he totaled 119 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
He earned First-Team All-SEC honors in 2024 for the Crimson Tide.
Born in Erial, New Jersey, the 21-year-old played at Timber Creek High School, which has produced several NFL players including Devin Leary, Damiere Byrd, Tarheeb Still, and Tyreek Maddox-Williams.
He later transferred to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior season. Campbell played both ways at IMG, featuring as a wide receiver and defensive end.
Jihaad Campbell once blasted Jaxson Dart’s head off in a game. The Eagles got an absolute dog. pic.twitter.com/Y8k8DJgI6O
— Jeff McDevitt (@JeffMcDev) April 25, 2025
“Excited to have him. Real excited to have him,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. “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. Really explosive player. He can play inside, he can be an edge rusher, just really feel fortunate to bring him back home to Philly.”
Campbell’s arrival in Philadelphia gives defensive coordinator Vic Fangio another versatile player to toss into the mix. He is expected to slot in next to Zach Baun, pending the health of Nakobe Dean, who missed the final weeks of the season through a knee injury.
“I think it’s all about my process and part of my journey,” Campbell said about joining the defending Super Bowl Champions. “I just came from Alabama, so that’s literally the same program/organization that I came from. And another thing that I want to hit on that [Head] Coach [Nick] Sirianni was talking about, too, was tough, detailed and together. That was a big thing that stood out to me and understanding what that meant and how he wants this organization to be ran. The standard, everybody just playing together, just being with each other and everybody just connecting.”
The Eagles will continue their picks tonight as Rounds 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft take place from Green Bay.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at lhenry1919@gmail.com.
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