When the Philadelphia Eagles elected to move off of T.J. Edwards, we felt this proverbial kick in our stomachs. We just couldn't wrap our minds around what had happened. He was homegrown, a former undrafted rookie free agent who worked his butt off and earned himself a starter's role.
We thought what T.J. did was special. We thought he was special. He was an integral part of Philly's near-championship-winning run in 2022. There was just one problem.
The Birds were notorious for being negligent in addressing their needs at linebacker, so Edwards was allowed out of the door. It seemed if there was ever a need to make an exception, we were certain T.J. would be the guy the organization would make one for.
We were wrong. During the following offseason, he signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bears.
That brings us to Zack Baun. Philly signed him to a one-year deal during the most recent offseason. His former team, the New Orleans Saints, used him as a part-time edge rusher and special-teamer. The Eagles' new defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio decided early last offseason that he had other ideas for the new guy.
Baun was tasked with joining the linebacker rotation at the second level of Philly's defense. Then, when Nakobe Dean was lost for the season, he took over as the full-time playcaller. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod and a First-Team All-Pro nomination. He's now a Super Bowl champion.
Here are the best linebacker prospects in the coming NFL Draft if the Eagles, for whatever reason, move on from Zack Baun.
Zack Baun has enjoyed a storybook season. he was a key member of the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning roster. He was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career and as an AP First Time All-Pro. Now, he's one of the many impending free agents Howie Roseman and his leadership staff must make decisions on.
In our opinion, he's one of the guys Philly can't afford to move on from. Our fingers are crossed that Philly finds a way to retain him. He recently stated he'd like to continue his career with the Birds.
It feels like they got it right with Baun's addition. He made us forget about T.J. Edwards, but we're hoping Philly opens the wallet this time to keep their middle linebacker.
There's no two ways about it. He makes the defense better. Moving on from him seems like a mistake, but what if that is Philly's decision and they rely on the 2025 NFL Draft to find his replacement? There will be options. Here's a ranking of the best in this draft class.
1. Jihaad Campbell, outside linebacker/inside LB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Who would have thunk? The Alabama Crimson Tide, despite a down year, still has some ballers.
Jihaad Campbell might be the best inside linebacker in the 2025 draft class. A First-team All-SEC nod in 2024, he'll be on everyone's draft board after notching 117 tackles, five sacks, and an interception during the 2024 NCAA season.
2. Barrett Carter, ILB/OLB, Clemson Tigers
There's a lot to like about Barrett Carter. He was a Second-team All-ACC nod in 2023. We noticed him often while watching some Jeremiah Trotter Jr. tape. This past season, Carter earned First-team All-ACC honors and figures to be one of the first handful of linebackers who are taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
3. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma Sooners
It sounds as though draft scouts are giving Danny Stutsman Day 2 grades. It will be interesting to see how he's graded during the pre-draft process after stacking 109 tackles and a sack during Oklahoma's first SEC season in 2024.
4. Josaiah Stewart, OLB, Michigan Wolverines
Here's as real as we can be in our analysis here. Josaiah Stewart won't be ranked this high on anyone else's pre-draft linebacker ranking, but we like him.
After watching Vic Fangio transform Zack Baun into an All-Pro middle linebacker, we're certain he can do the same with Stewart. This Wolverines product served primarily as an edge rusher and notched 8.5 sacks last season, but he'd do wonders for an already ferocious Eagles defense.
Worth mentioning: D’Eryk Jackson (Kentucky Wildcats), Carson Schwesinger (UCLA Bruins), and Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon Ducks)
These guys could be ranked higher on other pre-draft rankings. We wouldn't disagree. All are special. You'll also want to keep an eye on them during the pre-draft process. Nice showings could really improve their draft status.
