As we gear up for the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp, there's an intriguing lineup of storylines to follow, especially when it comes to the off-ball linebackers. In this article, we'll dive into the key players and what to expect from them as they prepare for the 2026 season.
The Linebackers to Watch
Zack Baun: A standout in Vic Fangio's defense, Baun is entering his third year and is a seasoned veteran. While he may not need extensive training camp reps, his presence and leadership will be invaluable. Baun's consistency and experience make him a reliable anchor for the linebacker corps.
Jihaad Campbell: Campbell's story is one of resilience and rapid recovery. Expected to be out until August last year, he surprised everyone by participating fully on the first day of camp. His impressive size and athleticism were immediately noticeable, and he started Week 1 with a bang. Campbell's performance in the first seven games was exceptional, showcasing his tackling skills and pass disruption abilities. However, when Nakobe Dean returned, Campbell was shifted to the edge, a role he needs to work on. This offseason, the Eagles plan to focus on his off-ball linebacker skills, and with Dean's departure, Campbell is an unquestioned starter. What makes this particularly fascinating is Campbell's maturity and adaptability, as he quietly accepted his new role and was ready to step up when needed.
Jeremiah Trotter: Trotter has quietly established himself as a reliable core special teamer. Despite his lack of ideal size and athleticism, he has proven to be tough and instinctive. With Dean's signing with the Raiders, Trotter is now the first linebacker off the bench, ready to step in should Baun or Campbell face any setbacks. Trotter's consistency and ability to be in the right place at the right time make him a valuable asset.
Smael Mondon: Mondon had a promising rookie training camp, but his preseason performance was a mixed bag. He saw limited action in the regular defense, mostly in blowout games. However, Mondon's special teams contributions cannot be overlooked, as he played a significant number of snaps there. While he's not a lock for the team, Mondon has a good chance of making the roster, and his special teams prowess could be a deciding factor.
Chance Campbell: Signed late last year, Chance Campbell spent the season on the practice squad. His injury-prone history is a concern, but the praise he received from notable Eagles players like Saquon Barkley and Jordan Mailata is intriguing. At 6'2" and with good athleticism, Campbell is definitely a player to keep an eye on during training camp.
Deontae Lawson: Lawson's journey is an inspiring one. Despite being a full-time starter for Alabama and wearing the green dot helmet, he went undrafted due to an ACL tear. Now, with a year removed from his injury, Lawson has an opportunity to get his career back on track. As an undrafted free agent, he'll be competing in a talented linebacker group, but his experience and leadership could be valuable assets.
Deeper Analysis
The Eagles' linebacker corps is a mix of established veterans and promising young talent. The balance between experience and potential is intriguing, and it will be fascinating to see how the coaching staff utilizes this depth. With the departure of Nakobe Dean, there's an opportunity for Campbell and Trotter to step into more significant roles. Additionally, the special teams contributions of Mondon and the potential of Chance Campbell and Deontae Lawson add an extra layer of depth and versatility to the unit.
Conclusion
As training camp approaches, the Eagles' linebacker group is shaping up to be a strong and versatile unit. The combination of seasoned veterans like Baun and Trotter, the potential of Campbell and Lawson, and the special teams prowess of Mondon create a solid foundation. With the right development and strategic utilization, this group has the potential to be a key strength for the Eagles' defense in the upcoming season. It's an exciting time for Eagles fans, and I, for one, can't wait to see how these players perform and contribute to the team's success.
