No one thought Philadelphia Eagles rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell would be practicing yet, not even defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who originally projected an August return.
“It was good to see [Jihaad Campbell] out there," Fangio said told reporters. "Wasn’t expecting him out there. The trainers have been telling me all spring that it would be some point in August when he’d be out there. So, I’m learning that our trainers like to understate and overachieve so they look good. But, it was good to get him out there.”
Campbell had undergone shoulder surgery early this year, so he was taking things slow during the Eagles' spring workouts.
Now, three days into training camp, Campbell is working full speed and taking first-team reps at both inside linebacker positions.
“I’m just blessed that I’m healthy right now,” Campbell said after Saturday’s practice. “I’m really happy to be out here on the field and flying around with our defense.”
Campbell has also taken reps at outside linebacker, but regardless of where he lines up throughout camp, he just wants to be the best he can be.
“I think the biggest thing is just focusing on the now, focusing on being a great linebacker,” Campbell said. “And then on the side, after practice, just get a couple reps in with my pass rushing ability and making sure I’m taking the right steps in that.”
The Eagles will hold their first padded practice on Monday, which will show a lot more of Campbell's strengths and weaknesses.
Campbell, 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, came out of Alabama as a top-20 projection, so when the Eagles moved up one spot to snag him at No. 31 overall, it felt like one of the greatest steals of the draft in the first round.
He wrapped up his final season at Alabama leading the defense with 117 tackles, including 11.5 for a loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
