This story was originally written for a sports reporting class at Northwestern, where the assignment was to choose an NFL Draft-related topic and submit it within a few hours of the respective topic occurring.
Jihaad Campbell is Built for Modern NFL Defenses
When Brandon Graham hung up his cleats after 13 seasons, he didn’t just walk away- he left them physically draped over Philadelphia’s Rocky statue. The gesture couldn’t have been more fitting for a man whose pass rush and leadership were foundational to the Eagles’ defense during his tenure of over a decade.
With Graham gone, the Eagles were left with a clear void– both in edge pressure and in leadership.
Cue Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell.
At 6’3, 230 pounds, Campbell is the current prototype for the modern NFL defender. While Graham’s retirement left the Eagles without a traditional edge rusher, Campbell offers something just as valuable– and perhaps more.
In a league where offenses have evolved to prioritize efficiency over explosive, deep shots, Campbell’s unique blend of size, speed and versatility makes him a perfect fit for today’s hybrid defensive schemes.
The modern NFL offense is faster and more dynamic than ever where efficient drives are the priority. This has forced defenses to adjust, shifting towards lighter and faster players who can cover more ground and adapt to multiple roles. As offenses continue to incorporate more varied schemes, players who can thrive in multiple roles are becoming increasingly dominant.
A few years ago, scouts would have labeled Campbell as a “tweener”; where he would be seen as a mix of a middle linebacker and edge rusher. But the game has changed. Smaller, more agile linebackers are preferred, as their role has slightly changed with offensive trends.
The NFL is cyclical in nature, but for now, the days when teams could rely solely on traditional linebackers and edge rushers are in the past. Now, they need defenders who can be versatile enough to rush the passer, stop the run and cover receivers in space.
This is where Campbell comes in.
During his final season at Alabama, he had a combined 117 tackles, 12 of which were for loss, five sacks and one interception that he returned for 24 yards. At the combine, Campbell ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, which on average, .2 faster than the average linebacker.
To put this in perspective, consider future Hall of Famer, Fred Warner. During his final year at BYU, he recorded 87 tackles, nine for loss, one sack, and one interception. Entering the NFL, Warner’s 40-yard dash was clocked at 4.64.
Whether playing on the edge or in coverage, Campbell provides the versatility the Eagles need to continue to evolve as offensive schemes do the same.
Filling Brandon Graham’s shoes wasn’t about replicating his exact skill set. It was about adapting to the new demands of the game.
Although Graham’s departure left Philadelphia with a change in identity on defense, it leaves room for the potential to begin a new era. Graham was built for his time, but Campbell is built for the future.
