Rookie Linebacker Already Earning Comparisons to Eagles Legends
Rookie Linebacker Already Earning Comparisons to Eagles Legends originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Eagles have a rich tradition of producing defensive legends, and rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell is already being mentioned alongside some of the franchise's greatest players before even stepping foot on an NFL field. When you're getting compared to Eagles icons before your first practice, that's when you know expectations are sky-high.
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FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang drew a compelling comparison between Campbell and former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, noting that until Zack Baun's breakout season, Trotter was the last Eagles off-ball linebacker to earn Pro Bowl honors. The comparison makes perfect sense when you consider Campbell's versatility and athleticism.
What makes this comparison particularly fitting is how both players bring that multi-dimensional skill set that defensive coordinators love. Trotter accumulated 12.5 sacks, 50 pass deflections, and nine interceptions during his 11-season career, showcasing exactly the type of well-rounded production the Eagles hope to see from Campbell.
General manager Howie Roseman clearly fell in love with Campbell's ability to impact the game in multiple ways. The Alabama product can stop the run, rush the passer, and cover tight ends—making him an ideal fit for Vic Fangio's defensive scheme. It's reminiscent of how former defensive coordinator Jim Johnson utilized Trotter in his aggressive, blitz-heavy system.
Campbell has also drawn comparisons to former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier from other analysts, with both players sharing similar athleticism and playmaking ability. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Campbell posted impressive combine numbers, finishing in the 89th percentile or better among linebackers in key athletic categories.
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The personal connection Campbell has to the Eagles franchise adds another layer to this story. Growing up in South Jersey as an Eagles fan, Campbell idolized Brian Dawkins and appreciates the intensity and aggression the Hall of Fame safety brought to the game. Campbell has said he tries to bring that same "tenacity" and "competitive nature" to his own play.
There's even some family irony in the Trotter comparison. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the son of the Eagles legend, is also on the roster as an inside linebacker and has been getting first-team reps while Campbell recovers from shoulder surgery. The two could end up competing for playing time or potentially playing together in certain packages.
Campbell was rated as a top-10 player on the Eagles' draft board, which explains why they were willing to trade up with Kansas City to secure him at pick 31. The organization clearly sees him as a cornerstone piece for their defense moving forward.
The real test will come when the pads go on, but having analysts already drawing parallels to franchise legends before Campbell has played a single snap speaks volumes about the impact he's expected to make in Philadelphia.
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Related: Eagles Represented on NFL All-Quarter Century Team
Related: Cooper DeJean Already Recognized as Elite NFL Slot Corner After Just One Season
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
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