Could Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell Elevate The Eagles’ Linebacking Squad?

The Philadelphia Eagles don't have any glaring needs to improve on their roster. They added some nice depth in free agency, but can add more depth and competition to the roster in April’s NFL Draft.

Of course, that doesn’t mean Philadelphia can't find a player who can contribute right away with its No. 32 overall pick. This year’s draft has a good collection of talent at some positions the Eagles like to draft, like the interior defensive line and edge rusher.

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ESPN’s Field Yates published his mock draft 4.0 on Wednesday and has the Eagles making a surprise pick, taking a linebacker -- Jihaad Campbell out of Alabama.

It hurts me to see Campbell have to wait this long; he's the final prospect on the board who ranks in my top 25. But after recent left shoulder surgery, his health outlook for the start of his career is less clear. But this would be a classic example of the Eagles pouncing on a talented player who fell due to circumstance. Philly struck gold with a no-risk signing of Zack Baun last offseason, and the idea of a linebacker trio eventually composed of Baun, Nakobe Dean (knee) and Campbell is exciting. Campbell had 112 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and an interception last season.

It seems a little far-fetched that the Eagles would take a linebacker here, but with Nakobe Dean's availability to start the season in question, adding a talented player at this spot is enticing. Campbell had a very productive season, totaling 117 tackles, including a team-high 11.5 for loss, five sacks, one interception fumble recovery, two forced fumbles, a pair of pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries.

In Round two, Yates has the Eagles going with what they know, adding Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins with pick No. 64.

Collins had dominant stretches at Texas, and with more consistency, he could quickly outplay this draft slot. He's 6-foot-6 and 332 pounds, and he has 34⅝-inch arms. The Eagles love to address the trenches at the draft, and Collins could help replace Milton Williams.

The Eagles lost Milton Williams in free agency to the New England Patriots, so adding a tackle early in the draft makes sense.