Eagles Linebackers Poised to Define 2025 Season

When it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles’ linebackers, you’ve got equal parts optimism and, well, straight-up chaos. This group has potential written all over it, but peeling back the layers reveals plenty of unanswered questions and a depth chart full of drama. If you’re not emotionally invested in their development by now, are you even watching training camp correctly?

The Nakobe Dean Factor – Or Lack Thereof

First, let’s talk about the elephant on the PUP list. Nakobe Dean, the highly touted linebacker expected to be a centerpiece for this Eagles’ defense, remains sidelined. Knee issues have him glued to the sidelines, and while watching Dean pull a sled and do ladder drills without his knee brace is encouraging, you can’t win games from the rehab tent.

Here’s the silver lining, though, and it’s a big one: his absence has created opportunities for others to step up, a test the Eagles’ linebacker unit desperately needs.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: Welcome to the Big Leagues, Kid

Oh, Junior Axe Man. The name alone screams football royalty, but can pedigree translate into consistent production? Jeremiah Trotter Jr. showed up with a chip on his shoulder and has been splitting first-team play-calling duties with veteran Zack Baun. Add to that his consistent knack for pass breakups in training camp, and suddenly you’ve got fans whispering his name more than just nostalgically.

And sure, doubters will point to his rookie season, where “special teams specialist” was his only real job title. But all signs suggest Trotter isn’t here to invisibly fill a depth chart. He’s here to make a statement. Zack Baun better dust off his highlight reel.

The Jihaad Campbell Experiment

Here’s the thing about Jihaad Campbell—we’re not sure what his final form will be, but watching him develop is appointment viewing. This first-round rookie has been downright aggressive in camp. From flinging tight end Dallas Goedert to the turf (in practice! where starters aren’t supposed to go full hit stick) to blowing up running plays before they have a chance to breathe, Campbell might just bleed “disruptor.”

More intriguing is how Vic Fangio’s defense is toying with Campbell’s versatility. The rookie is being tried at outside linebacker as a pass rusher, a move that showcases his dynamism but also raises questions. Will he actually play that role on Sundays, or is Fangio just having his preseason fun?

Zack Baun’s Back & the Depth Chart Circus

Zack Baun’s All-Pro breakout year was a gem in an otherwise murky linebacker situation last season. But now? He’s battling a nagging back injury, and his absence, mixed with Dean’s sidelining, has shuffled this unit like a poorly prepared deck of cards. Trotter, Campbell, and even Lance Dixon are seeing increased reps. It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation, and frankly, if you’re not impressed with their depth, you probably weren’t watching the JaCoby Stevens/Bryan Mone linebacker eras (don’t Google it, it’s sad).

Baun staying healthy and consistent is crucial. His steady leadership could be the glue holding together this linebacker carousel. We’ve seen what chaos looks like. Spoiler alert: It’s not pretty.

Do the Eagles Finally Have Real Linebacker Depth?

Here’s the rub. For the first time in, what, a decade? The Eagles have meaningful linebacker depth. Dean, Trotter Jr., Campbell, Baun, Dixon, Mondon Jr.—it’s not a who’s who yet, but it’s also not a “who dat?” taligate squad either. There’s actual competition here, which should terrify opposing offenses if the pieces click by midseason.

This isn’t 2004, when Jeremiah Trotter Sr. broke running backs like pencils. Heck, it’s not even 2017, when Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham gave us fleeting hope. It’s different now. It’s younger, meaner, and more unpredictable. And in Fangio’s hybrid schemes, it’ll be electric to see which linebacker emerges as the guy.

Final Thoughts on the Eagles’ Linebackers

The Eagles’ linebacking squad is potentially one of the most fascinating variables going into 2025. It’s got injury concerns (Dean, Baun), untapped talent (Trotter Jr.), raw aggression (Campbell), and the shaky backdrop of a franchise that’s largely ignored this position for well over a decade.

If it pans out, this could be the best linebacker group we’ve seen in ages. If it doesn’t? Well, at least the offense is built to win track meets. Either way, don’t look away. This is the kind of team drama even HBO’s Hard Knocks would drool over.

Eagles linebackers? You’ve got our attention.