Eagles tried to

Eagles tried to trade up to No. They didn't get anywhere near that, though. 18 but only ended up having to move up one spot from No. MORE: Commanders' Terry McLaurin facing 'career-ending' scenario The defense has lost a bunch of key contributors, though. 32 to 31 to select him. 32 pick in April's NFL Draft, Philly felt it needed to move up to get their man. ESPN's Dan Graziano reports the Eagles tried to get as high as No. 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 Yvette Prieto

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. "Rookie first-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell is obviously someone for whom they have the highest of hopes," Graziano writes. Slotted at the No. They got the player they wanted all along, Jihaad Campbell, the linebacker out of Alabama. "For an inside linebacker, he needs to show his improvement in 11-on-11," Fangio said. 18 pick for star rookie | Sporting News The Philadelphia Eagles really wanted their rookie star. 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. Even if Campbell isn't an every-down player right away, he'll be important in helping Philadelphia discover a new but similar defensive identity to the one that led to a Lombardi Trophy. "The most fundamental thing you have to do on defense is figure out if it's a run or a pass. The good news? "The Eagles started trying to trade up to draft Campbell as early as No. 18. 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.