Howie Roseman wasn’t taking any chances.
With the offensive-line needy Kansas City Chiefs on the clock at pick No. 31 overall, the Philadelphia Eagles decided to play defense. Looking to block other teams from making a deal first, the Eagles sent the Chiefs an extra fifth-round pick to move up one spot from No. 32 to draft a player the Chiefs weren’t going to take anyway,
That move tells us all we need to know about Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell and how much Roseman and the Eagles coveted him. Rather than standing pat and letting the draft come to them — star defensive back Nick Emmanwori out of South Carolina, for example, was also on the board — Philly used a fifth-round pick for nothing but peace of mind.
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Campbell is the likely successor for Nakobe Dean, whose status for the 2025 season is unknown following recent surgery for a torn patellar tendon suffered during Philly’s playoff run. The Eagles had a ferocious defensive front in 2024, and pairing Campbell with All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun should help that continue.
As for the fifth-rounder, No. 164 overall, heading to Kansas City? The Eagles won’t miss the pick. Philly still holds pick Nos. 161, 165 and 168 in that round, so fans shouldn't sweat the compensation. Roseman likely isn't done packaging those extra picks in potential deals, as Philly's draft capital on Day 2 (pick Nos. 64 and 96) is less than ideal.
Was this yet another Howie Roseman first-round heist? It certainly felt that way on Thursday night. Here’s what some of the experts are saying about Philly’s small jump to No. 31 overall to land Campbell for Vic Fangio's defense:
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Expert grades for Jihaad Campbell at No. 24 overall
Prisco: “The Eagles have Nakobe Dean coming off an injury, so why not take a linebacker who can step in and help right away. If Dean isn't ready, Campbell can start next to Zach Baun. Solid pick.”
Iyer: “The Eagles followed the Ravens' lead and grabbed a defensive star who should have gone several picks earlier, right after Walker. They seem loaded at linebacker, but there are durability concerns with Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean, making Campbell a natural upfield burst fit with great cover linebacker Zack Baun. Campbell will be moved around well to provide quick pass-rush impact for Vic Fangio.”
Easterling: “He can't keep getting away with it! Eagles GM Howie Roseman strikes again, flipping a late-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs to move up one spot and land Campbell, a top-15 prospect on our board. Sure, he's currently recovering from offseason shoulder surgery that could impact his availability for training camp this year, but on tape, Campbell was a three-down wrecking ball for the Crimson Tide. His combination of size, athleticism and versatility makes him the prototype for the modern NFL off-ball linebacker, and once he's back to full strength, he'll prove to be yet another steal for Philly's defense coming out of a powerhouse SEC program.”
Ostly: “Philadelphia moves up a spot to select one of the best prospects, regardless of position, in the class. Campbell has the build of a modern linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 233 pounds. He's a thumping hitter in run defense and has the athleticism to cover. This is a curious pick considering the Eagles just gave linebacker Zack Baun an extension but Campbell could be used more as a pass rusher than during his time at Alabama.”
McDonald: “Campbell is an incredible value at this point in the draft, but the Eagles have a bit of a logjam at linebacker with Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun. Regardless, Campbell and Baun gives Philadelphia a ton of size and speed in the middle of the field and gives the Eagles versatility in terms of their front seven.”
MORE: Why did Eagles trade up 1 spot? Philly spends extra 5th-round pick to land star LB Jihaad Campbell