The Birds hadn't selected a true linebacker whom they intended to play at the second level in the first round of any draft since 1979. Jerry Robinson was the selection way back then, and please don't take that as shade thrown in Nolan Smith's direction. Though listed as a linebacker, we all know his role is to serve as more of a pass rusher.

The Eagles felt lucky to land Campbell after moving up just one spot from 32 to 31 in April and it seems obvious that injury concerns pushed Campbell down into their range. But the Eagles cleared him medically and even though they knew he was rehabbing that shoulder, they didn’t expect it to hinder his career-long term.

The first-round linebacker was ready in time to practice from training camp's start, and he has a clear path to becoming one of the Eagles' starters.

Both Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Jihaad Campbell made a thundering first impression in full pads, literally. With Zack Baun out (back contusion) and Nakobe Dean still rehabbing (patella tendon), Campbell received first-team reps on the weak side while Trotter played in the middle.