Can We Get An Encore?

The Eagles rewarded All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun with a sizeable contract to ensure he remained in Philadelphia and avoided free agency. Baun, one of the NFL’s best stories last season, rose to prominence as an off-ball linebacker in coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense, recording 151 tackles (11 for loss), 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and five quarterback hits. He reprises his role at the heart of the Eagles’ defense, where athleticism and intangibles again take center stage.

But there has also been some depth chart shuffling, as the team added a pair of linebackers in the draft while losing veteran Oren Burks to free agency. There are different roles to be earned in camp, where a host of young players will be afforded opportunities.

With so many new faces on the roster, and with competition in key areas at play, now is the time to begin brushing up on the various position groups.

Our position preview series continues with a comprehensive look at what’s beyond Baun in the linebacker room.

GETTY IMAGES: When he returns from his knee injury, Eagles LB Nakobe Dean will try to pick up where he left off in 2024.

Jihaad Campbell

The Eagles’ first-round pick (No. 31) in April is expected to practice “sometime in August,” according to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, as Campbell works his way back from offseason shoulder surgery. The 6-foot-3, 244-pound Campbell is the new-age NFL linebacker due to his athleticism, sideline-to-sideline range and cover ability. He also offers the ability to rush the passer, where he could perhaps see some opportunities this season. Pairing Campbell alongside 2024 All-Pro Zack Baun arms the Eagles with hulking, rangy second-level defenders.

Nakobe Dean

The heartbeat of a swarming, formidable Eagles defense last season was Dean, the resident tone-setter and signal-caller who showcased a flair for making plays downhill. In the wake of a gruesome knee injury – Dean tore his patellar tendon against the Packers in the playoffs – Dean hasn’t yet been cleared as he recovers. By Fangio’s estimation, Dean won’t be back for a while – expected, given the nature of the injury. But expect Dean to be around, heavily engaged and involved in the teaching process.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Trotter appeared in all 17 regular season games and all four postseason contests last season as a rookie. A fifth-round pick, Trotter finished third on the team in special teams snaps (295) and logged another 104 on defense. Trotter’s steady progression has been evident, and Fangio’s endorsement of the Clemson product leading up to the divisional round would appear to underscore that. The 22-year-old boasts a high-level football IQ and instincts and has prioritized working on his block destruction. As injuries temporarily deplete the room, Trotter Jr. should see a sizeable portion of the first-team reps this summer alongside Baun. Look for his progression to become more pronounced under the watchful eye of Fangio and linebackers coach Bobby King.

Smael Mondon Jr.

The Eagles drafted Mondon Jr. with pick No. 161 and got tremendous value, as the Georgia product boasts a wealth of experience, athleticism and leadership qualities. He also has a special teams background, where I’m expecting him to shine and quickly become one of the unit’s most impactful performers. At 6-foot-2, 224 pounds, Mondon Jr. fits the mold of the modern NFL linebacker, and he showcases fluid movement and a tough, tenacious mindset. Perhaps Mondon Jr. factors into the defensive plans in a situational role, but his primary duties will likely be devoted to special teams.

Dallas Gant

A rookie free agent signing of the Vikings on the heels of the 2024 NFL Draft, Gant joined the Eagles’ practice squad in November and he remained there for the duration of his rookie season. The 25-year-old was elevated for the team’s final two games, combining for 26 special teams snaps. In the regular-season finale, Gant registered his first NFL tackle. Helping his cause in challenging for a roster bid, Gant enters camp with familiarity with Fangio and King.

Lance Dixon

Dixon makes it four Toledo Rockets on the Eagles’ 90-man roster. Dixon, who began his career at Penn State before transferring to West Virginia and eventually closing out his five-year career at Toledo, last season racked up 46 tackles (six for loss) a pair of sacks and four passes defended over 12 games. Dixon will have to flash in camp to climb the depth chart and increase his opportunities.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.