When Eagles GM Howie Roseman traded up one spot with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles secured a premium talent in a non-premium position by selecting Jihaad Campbell with the 31st overall choice in the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision elicited universal praise from nearly every NFL figurehead paid to share their opinions on these matters.
Philadelphia received stellar marks from ex-Eagles players like Ray Didinger and Ross Tucker for the choice. At the same time, knowledgeable network journalists like Mina Kimes and Albert Breer provided strong marks with a dash of caution. Here is some hype around the NFL world regarding the Eagles’ Day 1 selection.
Former NFL Players Weigh in on the Eagles’ selection of Jihaad Campbell
Brian Baldinger
Brian Baldinger played 24 games over two seasons for Philadelphia during a 13-year NFL career. After his playing career ended, “Baldy” stayed around Philadelphia while contributing to NFL Films and NFL Network projects. Following the selection, Baldinger sent a message via @BaldyNFL on X that he felt Campbell was “the best Linebacker in the NFL Draft and it wasn’t close.” He followed that up by sharing a video from the NFL Draft combine warmups on how his attention was consistently drawn to watching the 6-foot-3 defensive player.
.@Eagles @RealJihaadC at the NFL Combine. Couldnt take ones eyes off him while he was warming up Friday Night. Moved different than everyone else. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/xR9SDJuHG2
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 25, 2025
Ross Tucker
While he never played a snap for Philadelphia, five-year NFL veteran Ross Tucker found a home in Philadelphia as a broadcaster during Eagles Preseason broadcasts and working on Saturdays in college football TV. Last season, Tucker was part of the broadcast team alongside Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy and NFL veteran Jason McCourty as Alabama hosted Ole Miss. During that game, the newest Eagles first-rounder (Campbell) made a highlight reel stop on QB Jackson Dart, launching the signal caller’s helmet off his head and to the ground.
Newest Eagle Jihaad Campbell left a HECK of a first impression on me while calling Bama vs Ole Miss with @TMacPhils & @JasonMcCourty in ‘23 😡: pic.twitter.com/mnwGqVXSWB
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) April 25, 2025
On Friday morning, Tucker shared a video on social media saying that Campbell “left a HECK of a first impression on me” during that early-season college football battle in the SEC.
Journalists Express High Praise, Too
Albert Breer
Albert Breer, one of the most well-known NFL names during NFL draft season, praised the pick based on talent, but added a cautionary “good gamble, but a gamble nonetheless,” Breer stated on social media. Breer said that “the medical is 100% why he (Campbell) fell” to the Eagles at the bottom of the first round. The reporter for Sports Illustrated mentioned other potential injury concerns flagged by NFL scouting departments regarding the non-surgically repaired shoulder and “questions with his knee.”
One last thought: I like the Eagles’ pick of Jihaad Campbell. On talent, he’s a mid-first-rounder. The medical is 100% why he fell. Had surgery on one shoulder that some teams thought would mean starting the season on PUP. And his other shoulder may need surgery after the season.…
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 25, 2025
Mina Kimes
Mina Kimes is an award-winning journalist and an ESPN senior writer with no reservations about sharing her opinions on NFL matters. Nor should she, as one of the most brilliant minds analyzing NFL football today. An hour before the first round began in Green Bay on Thursday night, Kimes’ post on social media provided an unfiltered look at her high opinion of Campbell’s draft stock. “One of my strongest beliefs about this draft: If Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell falls, some team is going to get an absolute steal.”
One of my strongest beliefs about this draft: If Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell falls, some team is going to get an absolute steal. Extremely high upside prospect. pic.twitter.com/yJhIe1ZoRg
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 23, 2025
As is often the case, Kimes was on the money as Jihaad was still available for selection by the Eagles near the end of the first round. At 11:32 PM on draft night, Kimes posted a message, reshared her video with a message saying “OH COME THE F ON” in disbelief that the Super Bowl LIX Champions managed to acquire one of her top-rated draft prospects. You’re dead wrong if you think people aren’t paying attention to Kimes, as each post has racked up millions of views on social media in less than 24 hours.
Daniel Jeremiah
Daniel Jeremiah is a writer for the NFL Network and a color commentator for the Los Angeles Chargers games on KFI radio. He released a list of the top 150 prospects ahead of the NFL draft on April 21 on NFL.com. In his draft rankings, Jeremiah has Campbell listed at 12th, a drop of three positions from his top-10 position, while saying that the LB from Alabama “expands the playbook for defensive coordinators and his best football is ahead of him.”
During NFL Network’s show, Path to the Draft, Jeremiah suggested the Dallas Cowboys would “be the perfect pick” with their 12th overall pick. Instead, Dallas selected an offensive tackle to protect Dak Prescott a little better this season. Meanwhile, Campbell fell to the basement of the first round, where he gets to join the Super Bowl LIX Champions, your Philadelphia Eagles.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
