Jihaad Campbell set for expanded starting role as Raiders look to boost the pass rush

Jihaad Campbell is entering his second NFL season with a clearer path to a larger, more defined role, according to Pro Football Rumors. The publication frames the jump as less about adding a new skill set and more about running more of the pass-rush snaps that can turn defensive promise into weekly impact.

The setup is notable because Philadelphia also handled the roster transition around this time. Pro Football Rumors reports that linebacker Nakobe Dean’s run with the Eagles ended when he signed a three-year, $36.03MM deal with the Raiders in March. The same report says Philadelphia “prepared for his exit” by selecting Campbell 31st overall in the 2025 draft, suggesting the Eagles were not simply reacting to Dean’s departure but planning ahead for what should follow at linebacker.

With the draft pick already in place, Campbell’s outlook has shifted toward a full-time starting job. Pro Football Rumors projects that Campbell is poised to pair alongside Zack Baun, describing Campbell as someone who can increase his effectiveness as a pass-rusher if he takes over a larger share of the defensive workload.

For the Raiders, the underlying theme is roster construction, particularly how they replace production in a way that fits their defensive identity. Moving Dean, then cycling into Campbell as a major contributor, indicates an emphasis on pairing linebacker coverage responsibilities with a consistent route to quarterback pressure. The report’s optimism is centered on Campbell’s pass-rushing traits and the likelihood that those traits will show up more often if he is on the field for more plays in the starting rotation.

Campbell’s role expansion also comes with a practical football challenge, because pass-rushing success often depends on snap volume and play-to-play assignment clarity. If Philadelphia’s plan was to ensure there was a ready-made answer after Dean, then Campbell’s next step is whether he can convert that opportunity into sustained pressure rather than occasional flashes.

Still, this is offseason projection, not a season resume. Pro Football Rumors is describing a role expectation for the coming campaign, and the early regular-season reality will hinge on how the Raiders deploy their linebacker package in different down-and-distance situations and how Campbell handles the day-to-day adjustments that accompany full-time starter reps.

The next thing to watch is whether Campbell’s snap share truly increases and, more importantly, whether the Raiders can turn that into measurable quarterback pressure on a consistent basis. If it happens, the Campbell-Baun fit could become a cornerstone of the team’s defensive rhythm, and the Dean-to-Raiders transaction would look like a clean handoff rather than a complicated midstream change.