Field Yates Still Bullish On Jihaad Campbell To Bucs
March 22nd, 2025
Alabama ILB Jihaad Campbell.
Apparently, Jihaad Campbell’s injury does not faze a respected BSPN football analyst.
Field Yates follows and monitors the NFL and college football. As one can imagine, Fields is up to his eyeballs in pro day data litter and dumb mock drafts. And still the draft is over a month away. Help!
(There is absolutely no excuse for the NFL to drag out this draft process.)
Joe’s best inside linebacker in the draft, Jihaad Campbell, shocked #NFLMedia, #DraftTwitter and the draft industrial complex when it was learned soon after the combine that Campbell had shoulder surgery.
It is unclear if Campbell suffered the injury at the combine or in the Outback Bowl against Michigan (Alabama officials claimed he had the dreaded “upper-body injury” in the Outback Bowl).
Recovery could take up to eight months. That ought to chase away some teams that might draft him ahead of the Bucs at No. 19.
For Yates, either he is not aware of Campbell’s injury or he doesn’t care about it. In a piece on BSPN, Fields still believes Campbell is the perfect pick for Tampa Bay.
… Tampa Bay retained franchise icon Lavonte David for another year, and he’d be the ideal mentor for Campbell to learn from. Campbell — my No. 18 prospect — would also fill an important hole alongside David, giving the Bucs a legitimate three-down linebacker who checks every box required at the position. And few coaches love to dial up a blitz more than Todd Bowles, who would surely maximize Campbell’s underrated pass-rush skills (both as a blitzer and off the edge). Campbell finished last season with 112 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 12 run stops, 5 sacks and an interception.
Joe absolutely agrees with everything Fields typed here. However, there is a big “but” coming. That “but” is how long will Campbell be on the shelf due to his surgery. It will certainly stunt his ability to assimilate to NFL play.
The Bucs are looking to make a deep run into the playoffs. A Super Bowl isn’t a silly goal.
How can Campbell help them if he’s not ready? Sure, he could have fresh legs for the second half of the season and maybe dodge the rookie wall. But where will his head be?
This is a tough call for Joe. Inside linebacker is a major need for the Bucs and in a perfect world you want that rookie to play a full season alongside David.
Not an easy call.
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:06 am
Sign him and then replace Dean.
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:10 am
With the draft being weeks away, I’m sure we’ll hear more about this injury.
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:11 am
If he’s there I think the Bucs take Emmanwori safety. I think it’s interesting of all the safeties the Bucs had formal interviews with at the combine he wasn’t one of them. Don’t you think it’s odd they didn’t sit down with the best safety in the draft? The kid ran a 4.38 he can cover the field, big, strong fast, they didn’t have a formal with him? Talk about not showing your hand. Be interesting to see if he’s a top 30 visit, either way that’s who I think we want.
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:17 am
In Licht we Trust. Not a lot of holes on this team but D is where there’s Help needed. Go Bucs!!
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:24 am
If he’s there, you have to take him.
He can still train his legs while his shoulder heals.
And I would be fine with letting him watch and learn for the first 4-6 weeks of the season.
Deion Jones and Dennis are both serviceable starters.
Until Jihad is ready for war! (Pun intended)
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:32 am
Is he really that much better than a non-injured P5 stud linebacker?
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:34 am
You’re right Joe; tough call. No question MLB is a position of great need, and probably our greatest need because none of our backups excite me. I’d put money though on Anthony Walker starting over SirVocea Dennis. The latter doesn’t excite me nearly as much as he seems to excite some.
But the question still is … ‘How long before Campbell gets the starting nod?’ He’d have missed all of Training Camp & probably close to half the season. Lots of other quality picks will be available I’m convinced at #19 who could help us make a run at the Super Bowl.
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:36 am
He will be ready to jihaad our enemies soon enough
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:48 am
I think we can trade back and still grab him. I’d love to see 5 defensive players in the first 3 rounds.
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:48 am
If he is as good as they say….. sit and learn from LVD, avoid hitting the rookie wall, peak at around playoff time……. sounds good to me.
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:03 am
I don’t dislike Campbell and he is a position of need.
But I never thought he was a top player in this draft.
So,
1. If he is a 15 to 35 rated player.
2. He is injured and not available for part of the year.
3. And any chance that a torn labrum can be reinjured.
Pick someone else.
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:04 am
If you pick Campbell, you’re essentially drafting for next year’s starting ILB. Normally, I would not have a problem with that. But, on a team that has SB aspirations and several players hearing the last call for play time, I’d be looking for the next best player, whether it be ILB, CB, S, or Edge. This team is going to be good in 2025 with or without Campbell.
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:14 am
Noah Spence never recovered from it.
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:14 am
Go EDGE or CB at 19, then take Schwesinger at 53. If youth haven’t looked at him Joe, check him out.
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:15 am
*you
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:30 am
It amazes me that the draft ‘experts’ ignore current and past injuries with prospects.
The two top ILB’s have injuries – Campbell’s shoulder and Carson Schwesinger’s hamstring that’s kept him our of the combine and pro day. These guys look like rnd2 picks to me, but I don’t see them falling as far as #51. Danny Stutsman might be available at 51, he’s had an ankle – not a concern for me.
A few CB’s have significant injury histories. Morrison (hip, shoulder) from Notre Dame is much worse than Dean, Shavon Revel (ACL) didn’t even play last year but should be ready to work in camp. Will Johnson from Michigan has three injuries since September – shoulder, toe ligaments, and a hamstring that’s kept him out of the combine and pro day. That leaves Jahdae Baron and Travis Hunter standing with both going long before #19.
Is Licht willing to take a chance on these injured players who could be a Dean v2?
Best available at #19 might be a DL.
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:31 am
No to drafting damaged goods and No to spending a 1st rd pick on an ILB…..
“Fresh Legs” don’t mean much if a rookie missed every OTA and Training Camp practice…..
Bucs just recently hosted a formal visit at OBP with South Carolina ILB Demetrius Knight Jr. who is physical, smart (former QB) and tested very well athletically at the combine. He can tackle, rushes well and makes plays in the backfield – covers well.
Knight will likely be available in the 2nd round – possibly make it to early 3rd.
He could definitely be our new guy in the middle of the field.
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:46 am
Random Bruce Arians comment from me.
Bill Belichick record without Tom Brady in the NFL: 82-101
Bruce Arians record without Tom Brady in the NFL: 65-42-1
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:55 am
If Tyler Warren TE from PSU is there, and he might be, grab him. He would help make our offense unstoppable. We’ll just outscore everyone else and our defense will have less pressure put on them. This guy will be a game changer for the team that drafts him.
March 22nd, 2025 at 10:04 am
Pass, let him get paid to rehab somewhere else.
March 22nd, 2025 at 10:08 am
Two Thumbs up:
Lots of ways to win in the NFL – so I accept your hypothesis.
You build on your strengths to make them the best and hopefully “unstoppable”
or you shore up your weaknesses so there is less for the enemy or other team to exploit.
The worry for me about the Bucs and their offense would be depth on the offensive line. If one of the starters goes down — do we have enough to stop other teams from hurting Baker Mayfield. I tend to think not.
I also think that Goedeke might be another concussion from not playing. Goedeke didn’t pass concussion protocols for four straight weeks last year. That is unusually long. And usually guys that have the worst symptoms progress to not playing quicker than other guys.
March 22nd, 2025 at 10:32 am
I’m happy everybody says pass.
I actually hope we trade back a couple times.
I want an extra 2nd and an extra 3rd.
First round picks are overrated in my book.
March 22nd, 2025 at 10:33 am
The other flag is that everything you read on this guy notes that he lacks instincts…the killer trait for LB. I’ll take a pass.
March 22nd, 2025 at 10:53 am
Shoulder injuries for lbs are no joke and once injured the likelihood of further damage and injury is exponentially higher. Unless it’s a qb, you don’t draft injured players in the first round. This draft has starting caliber Edge rushers that will last to the end of the first round. You must draft one of them and end of story
March 22nd, 2025 at 10:56 am
I wish the schedule was released before the draft. Knowing where the “ tough” portion of the schedule lies could play a small part in picking an injured player looking to get healthy at the back half of the year . Bucs have another first place schedule looming…
March 22nd, 2025 at 11:25 am
Go get this kid. Might even be an advantage to him being sidelined for half a season. He can learn mentally while rehabbing from one of the best to play the game. Also look we added a proven pass rusher only time will tell of this was a good move but atleast they tried if hasson does work out then that alone will help the defense also with the added depth at corner the defense will take be better than last year without Campbell then when Campbell steps in obviously it will take a little time to adjust but he will make the defense better. The injury recover time should get him to learn the playbook and learn from LVD plus give his body rest all rookies come into the league after a gruesome several months of pro days combine and traveling. I really think this could be an advantage
March 22nd, 2025 at 11:26 am
I’m ok with trading down getting an extra pick and drafting bpa also Mike and Godwin have been oft injured wouldn’t mind a skill position guy
March 22nd, 2025 at 11:40 am
The reason we’re in desperate need of an ILB is because our recently-drafted ILB can’t stay on the field primarily due to a shoulder injury. And our response is to spend a 1st round pick on another ILB with a shoulder injury?
How dumb would the Bucs look if that torn labrum doesn’t heal well, and we’re in the same exact position next year?
Pick someone else.
March 22nd, 2025 at 11:40 am
I lean NO on Campbell. We all know that Bowles’ defense is so complected or is taught so poorly that it takes a year or more to be allowed to play. Example >>>>Braswell. Is he dumb? Or still learning the D? Was he hurt also? Expecting a guy with 1/2 year injury to overcome to play in 2025 is not logical. Get a guy that will START on week one.
March 22nd, 2025 at 12:33 pm
Bucs would be smart to go DE IF..one is available they like. Campbell is a great choice though. Also might want to consider another Corner. Dean cannot stay healthy. And we may need another corner as insurance.
March 22nd, 2025 at 12:42 pm
I agree with teacher man. Would love to see us trade back a couple times and pick up extra pics or use them to jump back up and get someone really special. Jason has done an amazing job in the later rounds and it’s no secret that first round draft picks are guaranteed to be successful.
March 22nd, 2025 at 1:14 pm
The Bucs will get their ILB most likely in the 3rd round. If SC Demetrius Knight isn’t there look for them to pick Oregon Ducks ILB Jeffery Bassa.
March 22nd, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Coming off an injury. Sounds like he has an injury history. I’m a little less excited about this guy.
Ezeiruaku seems like our pick, right now. Production, athletic measurables, and sounds like a Buccaneer man. But the draft is a little less than 5 weeks away and impressions change.
March 22nd, 2025 at 2:04 pm
Well, I wouldn’t mind if we took a chance on Campbell, but I’d rather we didn’t. I’m sure Licht will make a good choice in the end. There’s quite a few guys I’d be just as happy with. Maybe happier. I’m intrigued by that huge safety with the 4.38 speed. No idea how Licht sees him though. Safety isn’t really considered a truly premium position these days, but neither is ILB. If that guy with 16.5 sacks is sitting there he might be hard to turn down.
March 22nd, 2025 at 2:06 pm
I can’t spell any of their names.
March 22nd, 2025 at 2:06 pm
I say, we are building for the future. If Dennis gets hurt, then Campbell will be ready to take over. Perhaps he can be fresh like Devin White was after covid during that last season/postseason run. But if there are other LB’s that can be had in the second round, draft a first rounder that can start in September. We are in win now mode, and our draft picks need to reflect that.
March 22nd, 2025 at 2:27 pm
Riddick had a terrible year because he held out and fell behind and just couldn’t catch up. Campbell will miss all of ota and preseason and maybe till October or November but he will have fresh legs. Can’t have it both ways.
March 22nd, 2025 at 2:35 pm
Let’s see. Between SirVocea Dennis and Campbell, who has the more concerning injury history? Campbell. But Joe is always bellyaching about SVD’s injuries. Interesting.
March 22nd, 2025 at 2:44 pm
In my opinion Reddick sucked last year because he was unhappy with his contract and simply quit on his team. We just gave millions of dollars to a guy who quit on his team and added him to a locker room full of young impressionable players.
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:24 pm
You saw Campbell moving at the Combine – it looked like he could play without the surgery.
The eight month recovery time is for pitchers and quarterbacks who put extreme repetitive stress on that ligament.
The average full contact recovery time from that surgery for an NFL player is 20 weeks. He would be able to work in camp with no hitting or diving – you don’t want him using the arm forcefully when it is extended away from his body – he can wear a harness to keep him from that arm extending beyond the safe range of motion during camp.
He would be full contact by the preseason games and ready to start when the season begins.
And, do not think of him as just an ILB. With David and Walker on the field, the Bucs can use him as a deadly OLB – he had two strip sack and scoop touchdowns last year.
Walker should definitely start ahead of Dennis unless Dennis shows tremendous improvement.
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:41 pm
toopanca Says:
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:24 pm
Hahahaha.
Dennis was playing great before he got hurt. He’s our starter as long as he’s healthy. Walker is on the wrong side of 30 and a journeyman, maybe a slight upgrade over KJ Britt and JJ Russell.
March 22nd, 2025 at 4:49 pm
To be fair to Dennis, it wasn’t a series of injuries, the one that wrecked him last year had been an issue since college, and he tried to sneak by without surgery
March 22nd, 2025 at 5:12 pm
Recovery from shoulder labrum surgery typically involves a sling for 4-6 weeks, followed by physical therapy and a gradual return to activity, with full recovery potentially taking 6 months to a year.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the recovery process:
Initial Phase (4-6 weeks):
Sling: You’ll likely be required to wear a sling to immobilize the shoulder and allow the labrum to heal.
Pain Management: Expect some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with ice packs and pain medication.
Gentle Movement: You may be able to gently move the arm with assistance (passive motion).
Swelling: Swelling is common and may persist for several weeks.
Rehabilitation (6 weeks to 6 months or longer):
Physical Therapy:
Once the initial swelling subsides, you’ll begin a physical therapy program to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Gradual Progression:
The therapy program will gradually increase the intensity of exercises as your shoulder heals.
Return to Activity:
The timing for returning to sports or other activities depends on the severity of the tear, the type of surgery, and your individual progress.
Return to Sports:
Athletes may need 3-6 months or longer to return to full sports activity.
Factors Affecting Recovery:
The location and severity of the tear, the quality of the surgical repair, and your adherence to the rehabilitation program all play a role in recovery time.
March 22nd, 2025 at 5:26 pm
@tooanca: “The eight month recovery time is for pitchers and quarterbacks who put extreme repetitive stress on that ligament.
The average full contact recovery time from that surgery for an NFL player is 20 weeks.”
That is not always true. Bucs fans know well Noah Spence. He had a solid rookie year 6.5 sacks. He had Labrum surgery in January 2017 after his rookie year.
He was not ready when camp started but played the 1st game of the 2017 season. He ended up have 4 injuries to his shoulder during his time with the Bucs and never recovered to the success of his 1st season.
He said that setting the edge or extending for a tackle both caused strain on his shoulder.
So, I tend to believe that the extension a Linebacker might have to do when reaching for an offensive player could certainly be an issue. Not for every linebacker but for some.
March 22nd, 2025 at 6:00 pm
I wasn’t sold on Campbell when he was healthy.
Unless they get news that recovery is only 5 months it’s a pass for me.
Way too many good players to risk it.
Matthew Golden is a sure deal if all else fails
March 22nd, 2025 at 6:46 pm
Great posts geno, and I agree.
I’d take him in the 2nd though without any hesitation.
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:04 pm
Trade Back, get CB late 1st, and Campbell in the 2nd
March 22nd, 2025 at 8:46 pm
The Bucs already have an ILB with a bum shoulder to stand next to Braswell on the sidelines. There is no need or reason to draft another. Knight would be an okay consolation prize in the second, Stutsman could be serviceable and had in the third but the difference-maker the Bucs need to get the ILB part of their pass defense up to par is Teddye Buchanan. He is a ball hawking former QB who is light which is why he will be available late. He is a lightning quick processor who strikes like a snake out of zone coverage. He sports a 33% pressure rate on blitzes and is rangy stopping the run. I’ll take a lightweight ILB who is dynamic, decisive and attacks contact and the ball consistently over a 245 lber who plays patty cake most of the time and drops the hammer on a ball carrier every once in a while. Let him be a third and long specialist to start and watch how fast he grows into a 3 down starter.
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:04 pm
Emmanwori is an unique talent. If Buc have him patrolling the middle of the field, the pass defense gets instantly better. This guy is likely DRoY. Bucs fan will have a Pro Bowl safety for the next 10 years and is name isn’t Winfield Jr.
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:17 pm
Uh, how about Nooo! You crazy BSPN ba5tard
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:37 pm
Oddball Says:
March 22nd, 2025 at 9:17 pm
Uh, how about Nooo! You crazy BSPN ba5tard
That’s telling it like it is… Thanks for the chuckle
March 23rd, 2025 at 3:39 am
“respected BSPN football analyst”
?!? Yeah right….
Go Bucs!
March 23rd, 2025 at 4:31 am
Trade down and pick Emmanori then use the pick you just got in trade to trade up and get Campbell in 2 nd round. If Campbell misses 1/2 year still have him for the playoffs and future while he is rehabbing and mentally learning with the scheme.
March 23rd, 2025 at 4:44 am
I wasn’t worried, and now I am. Agreed, this is a tough call and also with many commenters here. Leaning on no now.
March 23rd, 2025 at 7:38 am
Emmanwori might not be there at #19, but if he’s there, I don’t see Licht risking trading down. I can see Todd drooling over having Winfield, Smith, Emmanwori interchangable pieces to use. All three can blitz, cover, and lay the wood.