Over the next few weeks leading up to training camp, we’ll be counting down the top 25 most important Eagles for the 2026 season.

25. Eli Stowers
24. Marcus Epps
23. Dontayvion Wicks
22. Tyler Steen
21. Moro Ojomo
20. Drew Mukuba
19. Jihaad Campbell

The Eagles are going to be relying on Jihaad Campbell in 2026.

After moving up one spot in the 2025 draft to select Campbell at pick No. 31, he began his rookie season as a starter but eventually lost that job to Nakobe Dean when Dean returned from injury. It was the right decision at the time because Dean came back like a man possessed and was playing at such a high level.

After his rookie season, Campbell had a moment to reflect on some of the ups and downs.

“I think it’s just all about controlling the things you can control and only that,” Campbell said. “I make sure that I come to this building every day with a smile on my face, with a mentality, a getting-to-work mentality, whatever it is. Having a neutral mindset of not getting too high or not getting too low. Just making sure that I’m coming in this building, I’m ready to work each and every day.”

But now Dean is gone after heading to Las Vegas in free agency on a three-year deal and the future belongs to Campbell. It’ll be Campbell next to Zack Baun in the middle of the Eagles’ defense this season.

Unfortunately, Campbell was unable to participate in any practices this spring as he recovers from a shoulder injury. But Campbell, 22, is expected to be back on the field for the start of training camp next month.

And now he’s the unquestioned starting linebacker next to Baun.

As a rookie, Campbell played in all 17 games and started 10. He ended up with 80 tackle, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception and 2 tackles for loss. Campbell also got some snaps on the edge as the Eagles looked to find ways to get him on the field. Here’s how his snaps broke down as a rookie, per PFF:

Linebacker: 514
Edge: 150
Slot: 41
Wide corner/safety: 6

While the Eagles talked up Campbell’s ability as a pass rusher when they used a first-round pick on him, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has made it pretty clear that he views Campbell as an inside linebacker, which is where Campbell played most of his snaps as a rookie and where he’ll start in Year 2.

Campbell clearly trusts Fangio.

“Some of the stuff I was taught, I never really knew,” Campbell said after his season ended. “It’s always good to just sit down and analyze that. Especially from a vet DC who coached greats like Patrick Willis or like Navorro Bowman. I feel like it’s always great to have a guy like that around. I know that he’s going to continue to be one of the best D-coordinators in the world.”

The Eagles are going to miss Dean. He was excellent against the run and proved to be one of the best blitzing linebackers in the NFL. He also played the MIKE, which freed up Baun to play in his more natural spot. But Campbell has his advantages too. He is advanced in coverage and the thought of Campbell and Baun patrolling every blade of grass is pretty exciting.

Even though Campbell lost his starting job as a rookie, he still showed a lot of encouraging signs. It’s time to turn those signs into consistent play in the middle of the Eagles’ defense.