“Doesn’t know what he’s doing.” That’s the raw assessment from a couple of Bears’ sources who were on the field against Jihaad Campbell on Monday, straight up. Ouch. You hear that kind of talk, and it’s easy to jump to conclusions, especially when we’re talking about a first-round pick. But hold up, Eagles fans, because while that criticism might sting, there’s a whole lot more to Campbell’s story right now that we need to unpack. The guy has exciting potential, a ton of raw talent that’s still figuring out the mental side of the game.
The “Great Athlete” Who’s Still Learning the Ropes
Let’s be real, the whispers are out there. Campbell hasn’t been lighting it up like a first-round selection should. People are definitely down on him. The comparison to Nakobe Dean, who’s out there having an all-pro season with the Raiders, is impossible to ignore. We all remember how drafting Campbell at No. 31 last year meant the Eagles couldn’t keep Dean, and those careers are linked forever. So yeah, the criticism that Campbell “doesn’t know what he’s doing” right now, mentally, it’s fair. He hasn’t covered as well as you’d expect. But those same Bears sources also called him a “great athlete with a great future ahead of him.” That’s the part we can’t forget. He’s got the size, the athleticism, and he’s only 22. Can you believe it? He’s the 3rd-youngest starting inside linebacker in the entire NFL. That’s not just young for a starter, he’s the youngest Eagles starting linebacker ever, and the 2nd-youngest defensive player in franchise history to start double-digit games, just a hair older than some dude named Ernie Calloway from the 1950s. Wild.
The Numbers Tell a Different Story Than the Chatter
Here’s where it gets interesting, because while the eye test and the immediate comparisons might make you nervous, the stats paint a different picture. According to Pro Football Focus, out of 61 linebackers who’ve played at least 100 snaps, Jihaad Campbell ranks 23rd overall. Yeah, you read that right, 23rd. He’s 26th in run defense and 25th in coverage. That means he’s a bit above middle of the pack in every major category, not the trainwreck some folks are making him out to be. We’re talking about a kid who was considered a steal where the Eagles drafted him. It’s way, way too early to even whisper the words “first-round bust” right now. The Eagles clearly see the vision, investing in his development, and that could seriously pay off not just in the long term, but even later this season. He’s working under ace linebackers coach Bobby King, and there’s every reason to believe he’s only going to get better. Remember, when we drafted Campbell, there were big question marks about Dean as he rehabbed a severe knee injury, and Dean didn’t truly blossom until last year, after Campbell was already on the squad.
So yeah, maybe Campbell won’t be a top-tier linebacker. Maybe it’s a rare miss by Howie. But the dude is 22, he’s got the physical tools, and the early numbers suggest he’s not exactly awful. It’s a process, and the Eagles are banking on it. We’ll see how it plays out, but don’t count him out yet.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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