The Eagles' Linebacker Room Is the Best It's Been in Years — Here's Why
In a sea of C grades across the Eagles roster, one room stands alone with an A: the off-ball linebackers. Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and Zack Baun have transformed the position under Vic Fangio.
The JAKIB Staff
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The One Bright Spot
Across every position group evaluation of the 2025 Eagles, one room earned a grade that wasn't average or below: the off-ball linebackers. They earned an A — and it wasn't close.
Zack Baun's emergence as a legitimate NFL linebacker changed the trajectory of this defense. Jahad Campbell showed flashes of being a future starter. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. provided reliable depth with exceptional football IQ. As a group, they're the best linebacker corps the Eagles have had in at least five years.
The Fangio Factor
This isn't coincidental. Vic Fangio's defensive scheme maximizes linebacker talent in ways the Eagles haven't seen under previous coordinators. The 4-3 under alignment puts linebackers in position to make plays rather than asking them to be athletes in space without structure.
Baun went from a fringe roster player to a defensive anchor. That's coaching. Campbell's rapid development as a rookie? Coaching. The entire room elevated because the scheme fits the personnel — or more accurately, Fangio found personnel that fits his scheme.
Cooper DeJean: The A-Rated Nickel
Alongside the linebackers, the nickel position earned its own A grade. Cooper DeJean is simply a great player — versatile, physical, and comfortable in Fangio's complex coverage assignments. He's the defensive equivalent of what DeVonta Smith is on offense: a player whose talent transcends the surrounding cast.
The Defensive Identity Crisis
The contrast between the A-rated linebackers and the C-rated edge rushers and safeties tells you everything about where the Eagles need to invest. The foundation is there defensively — the middle of the field is locked down. The edges and the back end are where the draft capital and trade assets need to go.
If the Eagles can pair their elite linebacker group with a legitimate edge presence — whether that's Myles Garrett, Jonathan Grenard, or a draft pick — this defense has the bones to be truly special.
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