ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Eagles doing something in draft for first time since the 1970s

ESPN NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and his colleague Field Yates released his final mock draft Tuesday, two weeks before the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. In his three-round mock draft, he projected that the Eagles would do something they haven’t done in 46 years.

Kiper projected Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell to be selected by the Eagles with the 32nd overall pick. Campbell, a versatile player for Alabama, finished with 117 tackles, five sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups and an interception.

“Combining Campbell with Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean at the second level would make defensive coordinator Vic Fangio smile,” Kiper said. “Campbell does it all. He finished last season with 112 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and an interception. This Super Bowl-winning defense saw a lot of turnover earlier in the offseason, but Campbell has the toolbox to contribute in multiple ways.”

The last time the Eagles selected an off-the-ball linebacker in the first round was in 1979, when the team chose Jerry Robinson from UCLA. Robinson was the runner-up for the Associated Press Rookie Defensive Player of the Year award, and he made the All-Rookie Team.

Although the Eagles use many odd-man fronts that could have Campbell line up on the edge—forcing quarterbacks to wonder whether he is rushing the passer or dropping into coverage. In a traditional look, the Eagles could use Campbell, Dean and Baun in a 3-3 front, allowing Fangio to come up with creative pass-rush schemes.

The pick could indicate that the Eagles are hedging their bet on Dean. Dean, who enters this season in the final year of his rookie contract, is returning from a severe knee injury. During the wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers, he said his kneecap was nearly touching his thigh.

Before his injury, Dean finished with 128 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He has also been one of the team’s vocal leaders, not only calling the defensive plays but also motivating his teammates on and off the field.

The Eagles have allocated significant funds to the position, which has not always been the cast in the last few decades because an emphasis was placed on the defensive line and the cornerback positions.

Baun receiving a three-year, $51 million contract extension that includes $34 million guaranteed changed that focus because of the impact he had on the defense. Adding Campbell could serve as a cost-effective alternative if the team and Dean are unable to agree on a new deal.