Shocking Twist: Alabama's Jihaad Campbell Snagged by Eagles as Surprise No. 1 LB in 2025 NFL Draft

Ah, the thrill of the NFL Draft! In the whirlwind of pigskin prospects and future stars, the Philadelphia Eagles have once again snagged themselves a prize catch from the University of Alabama’s illustrious football program. Come Thursday, as the draft stage lit up and hearts pounded, the Eagles swooped in with the 31st pick, selecting none other than the formidable linebacker, Jihaad Campbell.

This wasn’t just any pick, oh no, it was a statement! Campbell, the second Tide player taken in this draft. This selection is a testament to the Alabama feeder line into the NFL – a pipeline as sturdy as the players it churns out. The Eagles, no strangers to Crimson Tide talent, must be rubbing their hands with glee.

But let’s delve into what makes Jihaad Campbell so special. Signing with Alabama back in December 2021, this young gun wasn’t just making his mark, he was setting records. By the 2024 season, Campbell had not only played in all 13 games but also led his team with a whopping 119 tackles. Not to mention his five sacks, shining as bright as any Alabama star could.

Campbell isn’t just any recruit; he was a five-star phenomenon, a top-15 national recruit by the faithful On3 rankings, and, arguably, the preeminent EDGE rusher in his class as recognized by both On3 and 247Sports. His choice to commit to Alabama under the legendary guidance of Coach Nick Saban? Now, that’s a testament to both his talent and discernment.

So, as the Eagles gear up for another season, their recent draft choices paint an exciting picture. With former Tigers now mingling and melding into the Eagles culture, the potential seems limitless. It certainly feels like destiny that Campbell would follow in the footsteps of Devon Smith, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, and even – albeit briefly at Alabama – Jalen Hurts, to don the Eagles green.

Cannot help but wonder, what’s next for this young linebacker? The field, the crowd, the adrenaline — there’s much to anticipate! [Okay, maybe a tad OTT, but I’ve got to stay accurate, right? Jihaad Campbell is a name we’re going to hear a lot more often. Here’s hoping he lives up to his legacy.

For more on this exciting addition to the Eagles roster, check out the original story! LEARN MORELinebacker Jihaad Campbell was selected with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the draft, one spot below Kentucky Wildcats cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Campbell was the second Alabama player chosen behind offensive lineman Tyler Booker, who went 12th overall to the Dallas Cowboys. Campbell also became the 102nd overall player drafted out of Alabama since the 2014 season.The Alabama Crimson Tide have sent another player to the Philadelphia Eagles via the 2025 NFL Draft Thursday.Campbell becomes the latest Alabama player drafted by the Eagles, who have also selected star receiver DeVonta Smith, offensive linemen Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen since 2021. Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts, who attended Oklahoma in his senior season, was drafted by Philadelphia in 2020.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion from the 2025 NFL Draft.Campbell signed with Alabama in December 2021 and played in all 13 games in 2024. He led the team with 119 tackles (11.5 TFL), good for fourth in the SEC, and five sacks in addition to two forced fumbles, two pass breakups and an interception.

Campbell committed to Nick Saban as a consensus 5-star recruit out of IMG Academy. He was ranked the No. 15 overall recruit in the class of 2021 by On3 and the nation’s best EDGE recruit by both On3 and 247Sports.