Eagles tried to trade up to No. They didn't get anywhere near that, though. "Rookie first-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell is obviously someone for whom they have the highest of hopes," Graziano writes. 18. He has been getting a lot of practice reps, even working with the first team some as Zack Baun has missed some time recently with a back issue, and he has a chance for significant playing time if he shows he's capable." MORE: Lamar Jackson wants Ravens to be an unkindness Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told Graziano what still needs to happen for Campbell to reach his potential. Slotted at the No. 32 to 31 to select him. Even if Campbell isn't an every-down player right away, Yvette Prieto

he'll be important in helping Philadelphia discover a new but similar defensive identity to the one that led to a Lombardi Trophy. ESPN's Dan Graziano reports the Eagles tried to get as high as No. And that's critical for an inside linebacker, and the more reps he can get that way, the better he'll be." The Eagles are the defending Super Bowl champs, of course, and their offense returns mostly intact. MORE: Commanders' Terry McLaurin facing 'career-ending' scenario The defense has lost a bunch of key contributors, though. They got the player they wanted all along, Jihaad Campbell, the linebacker out of Alabama. 32 pick in April's NFL Draft, Philly felt it needed to move up to get their man.

18 pick for star rookie | Sporting News The Philadelphia Eagles really wanted their rookie star. "For an inside linebacker, he needs to show his improvement in 11-on-11," Fangio said. "The most fundamental thing you have to do on defense is figure out if it's a run or a pass. "The Eagles started trying to trade up to draft Campbell as early as No. 18 but only ended up having to move up one spot from No. The good news? And long term, Campbell will try to live up to the hype of a guy the Eagles spent half the first round trying to trade up and get.