You can see it very clearly that so much is different for Jihaad Campbell in Year 2 of his NFL career. He is beefed up – about eight pounds of muscle, Campbell estimates – and his No. 11 jersey (his number in high school and in college, at Alabama) presents an impressive figure on the Training Camp fields at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.

The team's No. 1 draft pick in 2025, Campbell is a big part in what Vic Fangio has in mind for this defense: Campbell's range, intelligence, and playmaking ability are assets for Fangio to use. And now that he's had a full season under his belt, Campbell's goals are high.

"Being humble, being focused and locked in, and doing everything that I can to attain greatness and help this team win," Campbell said. "My first season, it was all God's plan. I can't question that. I started games and then I didn't start and then I played more. I learned a lot. With everything, you take it and you learn from it and you keep that drive to get better.

"You always have to keep the bigger picture in mind. Nakobe (Dean) was healthy and he's a great player and he earned his playing time. You have to put your ego aside in this business. We are here to win as a football team and that's what it's all about."

Campbell played 63 percent of the defensive snaps and offered the promise of a player who has a very high ceiling. There is a reason the Eagles traded up for him in the 2025 NFL Draft and Campbell intends to reward that faith.

In this league, it's all about doing it on the field. And the data adds up – time spent in the classroom, offseason conditioning, health throughout the season, the positioning from the coaching staff, etc. Campbell's mindset is to just work, to learn the various defensive responsibilities, and do whatever it is that the coaching staff wants him to do.

"My size, my speed – I worked on all of that in the offseason and I feel like it's paying off," Campbell said. "It was about getting my whole self right. Last year, you know, you go from college football to preparing for the NFL Draft and then you're into the Rookie Camp. It is a blessing to be here, to have the chance to be the best version of myself.

"I am here to be the best version of myself every day. Win the day. I feel great on the field and in this defense. It's coming along."

Baun sees the difference in Campbell. The veteran of a young linebacker group in his seventh NFL season, Baun recognizes the talent and drive Campbell brings. Through the course of a 17-game regular season, the entire linebacker room will be counted on to come together no matter who is on the field.

"You see the talent and the drive," Baun said. "He puts in the work and all of that is going to pay off. What we have going on in that room, it's exciting. It's great competition and it has been really fun getting after it within our defense."

Campbell is looking for that big jump into Year 2. The work, it's every day. No letup.

"Being out there, it feels natural, like it's coming together for all of us," Campbell said. "But we have a lot of work to do, each and every day. Staying where my feet are, that's where I'm at. That's my focus and that isn't going to change."