Jihaad Campbell embracing responsibility born from versatility

Jihaad Campbell embracing responsibility born from versatility originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

About a week and a half ago, Vic Fangio admitted the Eagles are probably guilty of putting too much on the plate of first-round rookie Jihaad Campbell.

But Campbell doesn't mind.

The 31st overall pick out of Alabama enjoys the way the Eagles have been featuring his versatility this training camp. He likes doing a little bit of everything.

I mean, why not?" Campbell said on Thursday afternoon. I think my game is very brilliant. I love to just keep sharpening up everything that I can utilize on the field."

When the Eagles drafted Campbell, much of the talk was about his potential as a pass rusher, but Fangio started him off at inside linebacker because he said there was more to learn at that position. Throughout this summer, Campbell has remained at inside linebacker and there's a pretty good chance he'll start the season opener at that spot.

But it has also become clear throughout these summer practices that Campbell has a diverse skillset. And even though he might still be raw as a pass rusher, he clearly has potential.

It's not all that dissimilar to what the Eagles have seen from All-Pro Zack Baun, who is an inside linebacker with an ability to rush. Back in the spring, Baun was asked about his own versatility and whether or not he saw something similar in his 21-year-old teammate.

It sounds like a great thing, being a utility knife kind of guy, a do-it-all kind of guy but it's a blessing and a curse," Baun said in May. Because it comes with responsibility and the knowledge that comes with that. As much as he can handle and put on his plate, I'm sure Vic's going to push that."

Baun was right about that. Fangio has been pushing the rookie.

And Campbell has embraced the challenge and the responsibility that comes with all of his versatility.

This is what you get drafted for," Campbell said. Every job ain't no hard job or nothing like that. It's more so about putting it to the test and understanding what you have to do day by day to understand your role, your job and execute it well. If there's any [missed assignments] or things you do don't know, just get back to the drawing board, get back to the film, run more."

During Thursday's joint session with the Browns, Campbell got more opportunities to rush the passer. He wasn't a full-time edge rusher but Campbell was out there as an inside backer who walked up to the line as an overhang player. While he has mostly dropped into coverage in those situations this summer, against the Browns, Campbell actually got to rush.

And he looked good.

Even though Campbell is still raw as a pass rusher, his athleticism and physicality shine through. If he ends up in some of those situations this season, he has a chance to win with his physical gifts while he continues to refine that part of his game.

Because there's so much on his plate, Campbell has needed to take some initiative to sharpen all his tools, sometimes on his own.

Just finding the routine for myself," Campbell said. Whether I need to strengthen my legs or strengthen my quads or my biceps or my triceps, whatever it is, just finding a way. I think that's the biggest thing. Finding a way to achieve more and to want more for yourself, to really seek greatness before I come out here on the field.

Confidence builds character, so when I come out here on the field, I'm way more confident than I was yesterday. It's just a step by step process."

There's no doubt that Campbell is confident. He exudes confidence.

Like on Thursday, when he called his game brilliant" or when he said this about his chat with perennial All-Pro Myles Garrett: Really just two freaks talking to each other."

Campbell said he isn't told about his role and responsibilities before every practice. Instead, he finds it out on a play-to-play basis whether he's going to be rushing or in coverage. He tries to be ready for anything.

I'm just sharpening up my [tools]," Campbell said. Anything that I can do with my athletic ability, whether that's being a pass rusher, whether that's being in the box, just making plays in general. Anything that will help the team. That's the biggest goal."