Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun has only spent a few weeks with rookie Jihaad Campbell, but that brief time has left a lasting impression. During mandatory minicamp, the All-Pro veteran showered the former Alabama star with praise, drawing a striking comparison to his own early days in the NFL.
“He’s a big dude,” Baun told reporters. “Similar to myself, a versatile guy who can do a lot of different things. Just starting to see him move around a little bit — the dude can move. And he’s impressively really smart on the board as well. So, I’m really excited for him.”
For a seasoned player like Baun to see shades of himself in a rookie speaks volumes about Campbell’s potential. Despite limited practice time due to a shoulder injury, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker is already earning respect in the Eagles’ locker room.
Campbell’s standout 2024 season at Alabama helps explain the hype. Leading the Crimson Tide with 117 tackles, he also recorded 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. His dominant performance earned him first-team All-SEC honors and semifinalist nods for the Bednarik and Butkus Awards. That breakout year propelled him into the NFL Draft with top-20 buzz, and the Eagles traded up to secure him at No. 31 — a move many now view as a steal.
The Eagles are hopeful Campbell can recover quickly and make an immediate impact. If he’s ready for Week 1, when Philadelphia faces the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football to open the 2025 NFL season, Campbell could prove Baun’s bold comparison was just the beginning.