Eagles Grab Pitt DE Successor Jihaad Campbell in 2025 Draft Thriller

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles traded up one spot with the Kansas City Chiefs to select linebacker **Jihaad Campbell** with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, sending their No. 32 pick and a fifth-rounder (No. 164) to KC.[2] Campbell, a Pennsylvania native who dominated at the University of Pittsburgh before transferring to Alabama, steps in as the successor to former Pitt star **Jalen Carter**, the Eagles' 2023 No. 9 overall pick whose disruptive presence defined Philly's defensive line.[1][2] Campbell was in Green Bay celebrating with family when Howie Roseman's phone call came, capping a draft night buzz initially reported by CBS Philadelphia.[2] At Pitt, the Pennsylvania product terrorized quarterbacks alongside Carter, honing the explosive pass-rush skills that carried over to Alabama, where he posted career highs in sacks and tackles for loss. Eagles scouts targeted him to revive the edge-rushing duo reminiscent of Carter and **Nolan Smith**, the Georgia Bulldog taken 30th overall in 2023 who notched 18 tackles and a sack as a Philly rookie.[1][2] Philly's pass rush ranked 18th in sacks last season, prompting Roseman to pounce on Campbell's 4.5-second 40-yard dash and relentless motor—traits echoing Carter's disruptive force.[2] From Pennsylvania fields to Lincoln Financial Field, Campbell embodies the local grit that fuels Birds fans, joining a first-round legacy that includes Pennsylvania talents like Smith. With training camp looming in July 2025, the Eagles' defense eyes a Super Bowl repeat push anchored by this homegrown edge.[1][2][3]