Eagles Take a Massive Gamble at Pick 31 — Here’s Why They Believe Jihaad Campbell Is Worth It!

When the Philadelphia Eagles were on the clock at pick No. 31 in the 2025 NFL Draft, they made a move that turned heads across the league. Instead of playing it safe, the reigning Super Bowl champions decided to roll the dice on Jihaad Campbell, a talented linebacker from Alabama who had been projected as a top-15 pick before a torn left shoulder labrum (surgery in March 2025) caused him to slide down the board.

For the Eagles, this wasn’t just a gamble — it was a calculated investment in the future.

Elite Talent at a Discounted Price

Despite the injury, Philadelphia’s front office remained high on Campbell. In fact, he was ranked as a top-10 overall prospect on their internal draft board. Campbell’s 2024 season at Alabama showcased why: 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 5 pass breakups. His ability to dominate both against the run and in coverage made him the top linebacker in the entire draft class.

General Manager Howie Roseman and Head Coach Nick Sirianni viewed Campbell’s injury as an opportunity rather than a red flag. In their eyes, securing a top-tier defensive weapon at pick 31 represented incredible value — the kind that doesn’t come around often for a team picking late in the first round.

A Defensive Swiss Army Knife

Campbell isn’t just another linebacker — he’s a true defensive chess piece. Whether lined up inside, outside, or even on the edge as a pass rusher, his combination of 4.52-second 40-yard dash speed, raw strength, and instinctive football IQ make him a perfect fit for Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio’s versatile schemes.

The Eagles envision Campbell as a multi-purpose weapon capable of plugging gaps, pressuring quarterbacks, and dropping back into coverage. With Nakobe Dean still recovering from injury, adding depth and flexibility at linebacker was critical. Campbell’s arrival gives Philadelphia a dynamic option who can immediately compete and, in time, anchor the heart of their defense.

Confidence in His Recovery and Long-Term Potential

While some teams were scared off by the timing of Campbell’s surgery, the Eagles’ medical staff gave a strong endorsement of his recovery outlook. Reports from NFL Network and other insiders suggest Campbell could be fully cleared for training camp by late July 2025 — a timeline that heavily factored into Philadelphia’s decision.

The Eagles know they don’t need Campbell to be a day-one superstar. With a championship-caliber roster already in place, they can afford to be patient, letting him heal properly and ramp up without the pressure of immediate expectations. In return, they could end up with one of the most complete defensive players in the draft, adding another cornerstone to an already formidable defense.

The Bottom Line

Philadelphia’s selection of Jihaad Campbell at pick 31 was bold — but not reckless. It was a move driven by trust in their scouting, their medical evaluations, and their belief in Campbell’s rare talent. If he recovers as expected, this “gamble” could soon look like a masterstroke, further solidifying the Eagles’ reign atop the NFL.