The Alabama Rookie Every NFL Team Passed On — Except the Eagles. Now He’s Become One of Philadelphia’s Most Dangerous Weapons

The Alabama Rookie Every NFL Team Passed On — Except the Eagles. Now He’s Become One of Philadelphia’s Most Dangerous Weapons

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

When the Philadelphia Eagles made their final pick of the first round in the 2025 NFL Draft, the reaction across the league was almost unanimous — confusion, laughter, disbelief. On social media, analysts called it a “reach,” fans labeled it “a risky gamble,” and several front offices reportedly took him off their boards entirely.

The reason? A history of injuries, limited tape as an edge rusher, and the perception that he wasn’t “NFL-ready.” Most teams simply didn’t think he was worth a first-round selection.

And yet, just a few months later, that same rookie has become the heartbeat of the Eagles’ defense.

With veterans like Brandon Graham retired, Josh Sweat gone in free agency, and Nolan Smith sidelined by injury, the Eagles’ defensive front seemed destined for decline. But quietly — almost unnoticed — their rookie stepped in, learned the system, and began producing at a level no one saw coming.

Through six games, he’s recorded over 40 tackles, an interception, and multiple quarterback pressures that have shifted momentum in key drives. What was once mocked as an overreach has now become one of the smartest decisions of the draft.

Asked recently about the pick that so many doubted, general manager Howie Roseman smiled knowingly:
“When we called his name, I heard the laughter. People said it was a mistake, that we were gambling too early. But in Philadelphia, we don’t draft out of fear — we draft out of belief. And now, I think some of those same people are wondering why they ever passed on him.”

From an overlooked prospect at Alabama to a versatile weapon in Vic Fangio’s defense, the rookie has shown rare adaptability — seamlessly shifting between linebacker and edge rusher, combining speed, power, and discipline in every snap.

And that rookie, the one every other team dismissed, now wears midnight green with pride.
His name is Jihaad Campbell — the once-doubted first-rounder who embodies the Eagles’ philosophy perfectly:

“Sometimes, to find a true warrior, you have to believe in what no one else can see.”