Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Jihaad Campbell speaks in a press conference after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 31 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee
The Eagles traded up a pick with the Kansas City Chiefs in Round 1 of the NFL Draft to assure they would land Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
Campbell was a First-Team All-SEC selection during his final season for the Crimson Tide, racking up 117 combined tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles.
He'll join a Vic Fangio-led defense that overwhelmed Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in a blowout win in Super Bowl LIX, but has seen it's fair share of departures via free agency and trade this offseason.
So how is the selection of Campbell being viewed nationally? Here's a sampling of initial draft grades on the No. 31 overall pick. Hint: The pick is very popular.
Reuter is high on the selection of Campbell, arguing that he can "play inside or outside," and adding that "he'll show more pass-rush skills than he did at Alabama."
Considering Nakobe Dean tore the patellar tendon in his left knee during the postseason, it's entirely possible he won't be ready to start the season at linebacker, which could further the importance of Campbell's pick.
However, him being able to come off the edge could also be of value since Josh Sweat departed in free agency for the Arizona Cardinals and Brandon Graham retired.
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A+
Here's another high mark for the pick, with Sobleski writing that if Campbell hadn't needed surgery to repair a torn labrum following the NFL Combine in March that he "easily could have been a top-15 pick."
I think I’m all in on Jihaad Campbell strictly based off of this tunnel run. pic.twitter.com/uGf7Rt6Ruj
Kelly says he had Campbell rated as the No. 11 player on his draft board, adding that Howie Roseman "can't keep getting away with this."
It is interesting to see the Eagles reach a point, almost like the Baltimore Ravens, where every year there seems to be a take of "how did the rest of the league let this guy fall to Philadelphia?"
The Eagles got a STEAL in Jihaad Campbell 🦅 pic.twitter.com/K6sZpNsJne
Pro Football Focus: Very Good
PFF uses a different scale, but "very good" is the second-highest grade you can get. "Elite" is their top grade, and that was given to the Jacksonville Jaguars with Travis Hunter and the New York Giants with Abdul Carter.
In their feedback on the Campbell pick, PFF writes that "Campbell oozes athleticism with incredible first-step quickness and speed to cover in space."
