Eagles Make Fantastic First-Round Deal with the ‘Dragon’ They Slayed to Draft Linebacker

The Philadelphia Eagles trade the 32nd pick and No.164 to the team they just destroyed in the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs, for a high-value depth piece at a position that Howie Roseman hasn’t valued in a long time, another linebacker in the first round and an Alabama prospect that should be an exciting player when fully healthy. But this prospect has had some injury concerns heading into this draft, which caused the fall, but Philly knows how to deal with injuries to prospects.

The Philadelphia Eagles select Jihaad Campbell with the 31st pick. 

Campbell was First-Team All-SEC in 2024 with 119 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception for the Crimson Tide. Campbell is one of those guys who had some shoulder issues this past season that required some surgery and stuff, but he goes to a spot that doesn’t require his services right away in Philadelphia that has Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean when healthy, Jeremiah Trotter Jr ahead of him on the depth chart at linebacker right now. 

I feel this pick is a great value as he made a lot of plays in his career for the Crimson Tide and has the ability to play some outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme as well, which Vic Fangio might implement a little bit more this year for the Eagles. I’m looking forward to seeing Campbell in an Eagles uniform really soon. 

Final Thoughts

The Eagles made a smart move to block another team from getting the guy that they wanted by making the trade with the Chiefs. Getting another piece at linebacker is going to help this team down the road, as he is only 21 years old at this very moment in time. I love the value that Roseman gets from this pick, as he tried to trade with Green Bay for him for the 23rd pick. I’m excited for this New Jersey prospect to suit up for the Midnight Green for years to come! Total Apex Sports will have more NFL Draft Coverage throughout the rest of the weekend.