Follow The Leader

PHILADELPHIA – The tangible feeling of boundless energy and urgency powering a youth-infused Eagles defense isn’t lost on Zack Baun.

Even a hasty glimpse of the new-look unit accentuates the obvious: The All-Pro linebacker, at 28, has now become the elder statesman. Youth aside, though, Baun offered a favorable early evaluation of a defense developing compatibility and working toward establishing a new identity.

“By the looks of it, I’m one of the oldest,” Baun acknowledged Wednesday after the team’s first training camp practice. “I might be the oldest, I don’t know who’s starting at corner yet. But it’s crazy; I like the way we’re looking, I feel like we’re far ahead of where we were at this time last year and it’s looking good. Obviously, some things to improve on, and then create a new identity as a defense. But I like where we’re at.”

As the adage goes, with great power comes great responsibility. The reality is that much has changed since Baun last held court in the “mixed zone” at the NovaCare Complex for interviews under the blazing sun descending on South Philadelphia. Not only is he unanimously recognized among the elite at his position on the heels of a masterful 2024 campaign, but he now shoulders the responsibility of being a resource for teammates while also ensuring the standard remains intact.

ITB PHOTO: Eagles LB Zack Baun says he’ll be a leader for a young Eagles LB room.

“I’ve thought about that,” he said. “But that doesn’t change who I am and the things I do. A leadership role innately comes with be older, a veteran guy.”

That mentorship begins in his own room, where a trio of first- and second-year players are primed to undertake pivotal roles. At the top of the list is first-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who participated in team drills on the first training camp practice of the summer after missing spring practices while recovering from labrum surgery. Then there’s second-year linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who will see a dramatic spike in snaps this summer with veteran Nakobe Dean (knee) shelved for the time being and Campbell a limited participant.

There’s also rookie Smael Mondon Jr., a decorated Georgia product oozing range and athleticism, who will presumably look to Baun for guidance as he navigates uncharted waters.

“The better our whole room gets, the better everyone gets,” Baun said. “So, I’m just trying to help everyone out. I’m watching all their reps in team periods, 7-on-7 periods. Even in individual. Trying to help, not critique them, but give them pointers all along.”

Back to Campbell, for a moment. The biggest surprise of the day revealed itself early, as Campbell took part in individual and team drills – in a limited capacity – after the initial clearance timeline was believed to be “sometime in August.” The Alabama product, working alongside Mondon Jr. with the second-team, wasted little time showcasing his movement skills, length and athleticism, at one point getting a hand in to deflect away a short crosser intended for wide receiver Danny Gray. He also, on another play, generated pressure that seemingly hastened the proverbial quarterback clock.

Generally speaking, when in the lineup, Campbell was around the football.

“Jihaad looks good,” Baun gushed. “Really, really good. Obviously, a physical specimen. Very athletic dude. I think he missed out on some reps during the spring there that could have been beneficial to him. But he’s not far behind. He’s gonna be a good player.”

Baun also highlighted the growth of Trotter Jr., a smart and instinctive player who last season logged 104 defensive snaps, citing his intelligence within the scheme and honing in on technique as notable areas of improvement.

While Trotter Jr. played sparingly as a rookie, his attentiveness and preparation behind the scenes were apparent. And his uncanny ability to read, diagnose and find the football have been apparent on the practice field. The second-year linebacker, currently gaining valuable experience repping alongside Baun with the first-team, has an opportunity to put a stamp on an elevated role in Year 2.

Teaming up with Baun can elevate the performance of a lot of players, but it wasn’t necessarily the play of Trotter Jr. that immediately came to mind when assessing his progress.

“Definitely an increase in confidence in Trot,” he said. “Confidence in himself. I know he can do it, physically he’s got the traits, and he’s gonna take a big leap this year.”

The newfound status that Baun played his way into is typically accompanied with responsibility. And given the newness of much of his surrounding talent, the tutelage will undoubtedly require commitment, patience and selflessness, with an emphasis on the latter.

In instances elsewhere, we’ve seen examples of veterans in Baun’s position approach the leadership piece as burdensome. Some even adopt an aloof or standoffish perspective. But that’s hardly representative of Baun, as the ascending defensive leader offered a logical, refreshing viewpoint in response to a question about Campbell’s progression.

“I’m gonna teach him whatever I know, all the tips and tricks,” he said. “I’m not gonna be the vet that’s holding stuff back because of the possibility he could take my spot. I don’t care about any of that. I’m here to help this linebacker room be the best it could be.”

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