Inside Linebacker Or Cornerback?
March 21st, 2025
Decisions.
So which is it, inside linebacker or corner? Joe leans one way but can live with the other.
Joe has been pounding the table for the Bucs to draft Jihaad Campbell, the Swiss army knife of Alabama. But now after a shoulder surgery, who knows when he can next play?
The Bucs are trying to position themselves to make a Super Bowl run this year. As a JoeBucsFan.com commenter pointed out yesterday, if Campbell is going to miss four to eight games this season, why draft him? Fair point.
Joe was hoping Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht would somehow pick up a competent starting corner in free agency. Joe isn’t anti-Jamel Dean but Joe prefers a cornerback who can stay on the field, specifically in playoff games.
Well, the way Joe looks at it, if the Bucs draft a corner in the first round, then you want that guy on the field. So that means bye-bye to Dean because a team isn’t going to have Dean’s $12 million salary eaten by a backup.
Again, Joe’s biggest issue with Dean is he can’t answer the bell when needed most. In the Bucs’ last four playoff games, Dean was either unavailable or couldn’t finish three of those games.
In last two postseason games the Bucs lost by one score and Dean wasn’t on the field late in the game. You don’t think the Bucs could have used him?
Yeah, Campbell would be awesome but how much time will he miss? A first-round cornerback would be welcome but can a team that wants to do damage in January and beyond trust a rookie corner? Well, the Eagles just won a Super Bowl with two rookie cornerbacks.
Decisions!
March 21st, 2025 at 4:07 am
Good or bad, this defensive staff seems to think they can develop a serviceable corner from later in the draft. I think the emphasis has to be on QB pressure, it takes a lot of the weight off the secondary. You have to prioritize the edge now, not later. Get Edge first round and LB/CB in the 2nd. I’m not sold on Yaya Diaby yet. He needs to show some consistency and with Reddick, he will have his opportunities. But, I would feel a lot better if we had a stud Edge from the draft and just let the rotation wreck havoc.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:11 am
I wouldn’t get too locked into expecting one of those 2 positions to be our picks in round 1. If I were betting today, I’d say it’s Donovan Ezeiruaku. He fits the mold of a Buccaneer man and we could certainly use him. Also, I would not rule out Malaki Starks, the safety from GA, if he’s available. Any position on defense could be our pick in round 1.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:12 am
Jihaad Campbell sounded like the pick until the injury was revealed – now I’m leaning towards BPA in round 1
March 21st, 2025 at 4:19 am
Think it’s still a toss-up for Edge, LB, and CB in the 1st, but expecting all 3 positions to be addressed by Bucs first 3 picks regardless of order. Also think Dean sticks on the roster at this point, unless 2 CB’s are added next month. If that happens all bets are off. Think restructures will create enough cap space for the immediate needs.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:22 am
Joe is concerned About Dean answering the bell, but Dennis is being proclaimed a starter by many, and he has missed 17 of 34 regular season games which makes Dean look like an iron man.
Campbell offers the Bucs the most value in the first round. And, Walker and David give the Bucs two plausible ILB starters if Campbell is not ready until October or November. But, Campbell should be ready to play by September.
If Campbell is off the board or passed over because of the injury, the Bucs still need Dean and another starting DB. Either Barron, Emmanwori or Revel should be available when the Bucs pick in the first round.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:29 am
MJ Stewart just signed an extension.
SMB is still in the league.
Jordan Whitehead and Edward’s had long careers.
Carlton Davis was a 3rd round pick, he just signed a 60 million deal for the Pats.
Zion was a 5th round pick. And he’s ballin.
Winfield was an All Pro.
Izien looks like a stud. Tykes Smith is amazing!
Dean was a 3rd round pick. And he’s a good player.
What’s my point?
Bowles was an NFL safety. Bowles develops DBs.
None of the DBs he has drafted have failed. They’re still balling.
I trust Bowles to find the right DB and develop him.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:47 am
Joe … ‘the Eagles just won a Super Bowl with two rookie cornerbacks.’
But to take that 1 step further Joe, those rookie CBs had a MUCH easier time simply because the Eagles’ pass rush was awesome. Quinyon Mitchell (16 games – 955 def snaps) and Cooper DeJean (16 games – 627 def snaps) balled out, but they were Rnd 1 & Rnd 2 picks respectively. Plus they had the veteran Darius Slay back there most of the season (14 games – 699 def snaps) to keep them straight. That had to help.
March 21st, 2025 at 5:24 am
It’s not going to be a corner, or a ILB. With thier first pick in the draft the Bucs select the safety from S.C.. Bowles loves safeties, and this kid is supposed to be one of the best to come around in awhile. Instant starter for the secondary. Bucs in the second round go ILB from UCLA, and go receiver in the 3rd round.
March 21st, 2025 at 5:36 am
We develop DBs well, but we don’t develop OLBs well at all. We really could have used Campbell as a linebacker who can move around but I’m afraid of him now. I don’t have any idea who I want now. I’m sort of partial to that 6’3″ 220 lb safety who runs a 4.38 40 and gets interceptions. I’m not going to try to spell his name yet.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:27 am
Both. Round 1 and 2.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:33 am
Milton Williams was the Eagles DT3. He just signed a deal that pays him $26M this year. The Eagles had the best pass rush and they continue to add to the front 7 in free agency. Bucs fans are saying we can’t add to our front because we already have starters. The Bucs need a full rotation of good lineman. There can’t be a huge drop off when the starters rotate out. Braswell, Gaines, Nelson, Brewer aren’t exactly striking fear in their opposition. If they weren’t Bucs, you would even know their names.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:45 am
We about build the trenches up with first pick. Just look at last few drafts. Edge
March 21st, 2025 at 6:45 am
I’d still love to get Campbell, hopefully he’ll drop to third
March 21st, 2025 at 6:46 am
Bowles loves safeties so it wouldn’t shock me if he drafted one but I doubt he would do it in the 1st. It’s bad team building. There are about 2 highly paid (compared to other positions)safeties in the league. We have one of them. Safety is a position that the league doesn’t value. There are starting safeties available in free agency as we speak. If you draft a 1st round safety, he has to be an immediate impact because he will already make more money than veteran starters. If you hit on an OLB, you will save $25M annually for 4 years in comparison to top veteran starters at the position.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:56 am
I’d guess corner with the first pick now!?
March 21st, 2025 at 7:27 am
To me, depending on how the draft falls of course, the value for us is maximized with edge rd 1, cb rd 2, lb rd 3. My 2 cents. Make no mistake, signing reddick in no way assuages our need at edge. We need a long term solution.
March 21st, 2025 at 7:47 am
I’m kinda liking Nick Emanwori at Safety outta South Carolina… Total beast and seems like a bigger faster Sean Taylor
March 21st, 2025 at 7:53 am
Bowles might love safeties but he isn’t fully calling the shots here. Licht loves the trenches. I think it’s BAP but still defensive. If we pick an offensive player in the first three rounds, I’d be a little pi$$ed I think. Still probably comes down to who falls to what spot. Would love to get edge or DT in the first round if that makes sense but I know this is a deep draft for those positions and you could probably grab some value in round three or four. Just want a CB and an ILB in the first few rounds somewhere.
This is IMO but compared to Licht and his scouts, I know nothing.
March 21st, 2025 at 7:59 am
Smith and Winfield will be the safeties….why draft one in the first round?
March 21st, 2025 at 8:04 am
KA, I see it the same way.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:10 am
Trade down and still select Williams … then pick CB & S
March 21st, 2025 at 8:12 am
BPA on defense. If that’s a DT then go DT. But I’m guessing it’ll be CB, Edge or trade back or maybe this Campbell guy.
I can’t remember the last ILB taken top 20 that was set to miss that much time though.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:14 am
I trust the Bucs to draft the best guys to strengthen the team.
If they pic Emmanwori at 19 I understand it. I think corner is currently the biggest weakness. The round 1 corners that may be there at 19 are ACL guys. I expect several good corners to be around in round 2. I like Campbell but his recent shoulder surgery worries me. Its going to be fun to watch. The Bucs staff have done a great job with personnel. This is a very young team with evolving talent. The kids also have a stout group of veterans to learn from. I expect at least a couple of the young guys to surprise me this year. This is a good team on the brink of being great. Go bucs
March 21st, 2025 at 8:15 am
Noleriff Says: I’m kinda liking Nick Emanwori at Safety outta South Carolina… Total beast and seems like a bigger faster Sean Taylor.
Yes….at 6’3″ and 220 and a 4.38 40 time, he can play both safety and inside LB.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:19 am
Watched the colts take advantage of bucs losing a corner to injury during a game…… Brian Kelly. One corner can make all the difference.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:23 am
Who other than Jihad Campbell was slotted as a 1st round ILB? I feel like this argument is moot. BPA on defense in round 1 is fine by me.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:23 am
Emmanwori!!!!!!!!!!
March 21st, 2025 at 8:30 am
Lucky for the Bucs there are a lot of defensive players in the draft that would fit helping them at 19. Lots of guys with mid to late 1st round grades.
So the Bucs get to choose one of those dudes that they think fit their system and locker room.
The same in the 2nd round.
I am confident this will be a good draft for the Bucs defense and we will be happy with Jason’s pick in a year.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:38 am
ILB in the 2nd round. That’s where we found LVD. I’d much rather go for a ball hawk CB in the 1st round. That being said, I’d still rather add another OLB if available.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:49 am
WhatTheBuc Says:
“The Eagles had the best pass rush and they continue to add to the front 7 in free agency.”
The Eagles lost Josh Sweat 622 snaps, Milton Williams 501 snaps and Brandon Graham 311 snaps (missed 6 games).
They replaced those three guys with
Josh Uche 249 snaps.
and
Azeez Ojulari 392 snaps (missed 6 games)
The Eagles big time net lost from their defensive front 7. 800 snaps.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:56 am
If there is a run on CB’s and ILB’s then don’t look for Licht to draft one. Most of the time it ends up being someone nobody thought of. Don’t reach Jason the the best available player even if it’s on offense.
March 21st, 2025 at 9:02 am
Devin white 2.0
March 21st, 2025 at 9:40 am
I am good with either. Whoever is the best player, but it needs to be one of those two. Either way I would imagine they’re getting both of them within the first 2 to 3 picks.
March 21st, 2025 at 9:47 am
Everyone is so quick to want to sign another middle linebacker in the first round, how good is he at coverage? I’ve seen some articles saying he’s not that great in coverage, but he can Blitz fairly well, if I’m not mistaken isn’t that what Devin White’s profile was? And look at the history of first round off the ball linebackers, it’s not pretty, get the big dudes in the first round or a lockdown corner
March 21st, 2025 at 10:04 am
Jvato24, despite how White’s career ended here he balled out when he first arrived. I have no problem picking a player with White’s ability; hopefully that player is stronger between the ears.
March 21st, 2025 at 10:14 am
Brian Urlacher for the bears was a safety in college, is a hall of fame middle linebacker.
Just saying.
March 21st, 2025 at 10:19 am
Keep bolstering the line!
If an Edge like Mike Green or BC’s Ezeiruaku is on the board at #19 and Jason has them rated as 1st round talent – that needs to be the pick.
The Eagles just reminded us why…..
March 21st, 2025 at 10:51 am
They tend to always surprise us. I’m thinking any defensive position, but I can see them going Offense if the right player falls to us. A can’t miss player, if that exists in this draft (I have no clue).
March 21st, 2025 at 10:52 am
This might be the one time Licht goes all in and trades up a bunch.
March 21st, 2025 at 10:59 am
I’m with Gipper. Emmanwori if he is there. Why debate over CB/ILB when a guy who is built like a LB but runs like a CB is available? Ballhawk CBs that can be developed by the coaching staff (Cobee Bryant) will be available later on. I was in on Jihaad until the shoulder injury.
Emmanwori would push Tykee back to NCB but free up Izien as the DB super sub.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:15 am
I say trade up for Travis Hunter if he falls to 7.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:37 am
Or take another pass rusher if there’s a good one
March 21st, 2025 at 11:37 am
I completely disagree that drafting a corner in the 1st round means you have to get rid of Dean. This team plays in so many different subpackages on defense, the drafted dude’s gonna be on the field.
In a perfect world were able to trade out of the 19 spot and possibly turn that pick into filling both needs.
My ideal draft scenario for addressing these two needs would be trading down a half dozen spots, picking Jahdae Barron in the 1st round, and then grabbing Demetrius Knight Jr. in the 2nd or 3rd round.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:59 am
IF there is a top notch DE available at 19? Grab Him. Don’t place all your chips on Reddick. Even if he has a great year, He is going to demand a huge salary for the next one.
March 21st, 2025 at 12:11 pm
I agree with those calling for edge or DL in the first if they aren’t all picked over.
Brian kinda encompassed my thoughts with where value lies. Edge first, CB 2nd and LB 3rd.
If he is there, I’d be shocked if we passed on Ezeriraku from BC. Starks seems like another option they will have highly rated, just not sure how he fits into the D right away if Smith isn’t playing NCB.
March 21st, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Best player available at a position of need. That’s all there is to it and I’m sure that’s how they’re looking at. It. Could be the safety, could be an eddresser, maybe a linebacker. I trust their process.
March 21st, 2025 at 12:14 pm
* could be an edge rusher… Voice really screwed that one out
March 21st, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Just grab the guy that falls into your lap that you never thought would. Hopefully on defense
March 21st, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Lots of comments about what position the Bucs will draft, but not a ton of comments about who the actual BPA will be when pick 19 rolls around – and I think there’s an excellent chance that will be a DT. Grant, Harmon; Alexander…
Remember, we were going to take Jonny Newton last yr if Barton wasn’t there.
March 21st, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Unless you get a great trade down offer and not starstruck by anyone
March 21st, 2025 at 12:45 pm
IMO Campbell was hiding his injury, I kinda get it but if he was it was very shortsighted and bad advice.
ILB is of the highest priority, visions of Devin White being exploited once it was found out he was easily tricked and then followed by Britt who bless his heart simply didn’t have the wheels to cover in the middle.
Of course CB/DB but I also want to draft a WR , yeah yeah yeah , Evans and Godwin, both have injury history and neither are explosive.
I will be in Europe for the draft so hopefully I can keep up with what’s going on.
March 21st, 2025 at 12:52 pm
Are there any good edges? We lost JTS- who didn’t quite pan out, but was a body in the rotation- we have Reddick for 1 season, he has obvious upside but again, one season… our problems are not solved in that department…. Aren’t there two defensive ends in football anyway?
March 21st, 2025 at 12:59 pm
So many on the Emman train now…welcome aboard fellers 🙂
and if Carson is gone by the time we pick in the 2nd, that big DT/NT Grant will be a nice addition.
We’ll find a CB 3rd or 4th.
March 21st, 2025 at 1:17 pm
Im also liking this DT Tyleik Williams…he might be there if Grant is gone. Azareh Thomas or Hairston will be a nice 4th
March 21st, 2025 at 1:37 pm
I like the safety/linebacker Nick Emmanwori at #19 if still there also. A corner in second round and a linebacker in the third round.
March 21st, 2025 at 1:42 pm
If Jalon Walker is still available after the 15th pick, then I think you need to get a little antsy, by making a move up to 16 and snagging him. 💯 For sure if both of the top two Corners are already gone. He’s the perfect ‘fit’ for this Bucs system and the perfect eventual LVD replacement. Son of a Coach. ELITE Athlete. 4.0 student. 4.5 40. Just turned 21. Extremely, intelligent and VERY well-spoken. LEADER. All over the field and always around the ball. Just makes PLAYS. A bit of a ‘tweener’ but can RUSH the passer (&/or) drop back in coverage. So well rounded. Can do it ALL. It would be a HUGE WIN if we could land him without having to trade up. I saw a mock yesterday, having the Marshall kid (Green) dropping midway into the 2nd… I guess his ‘off-field’ conduct is really starting to take effect. I’ve seen a ‘handful’ of mocks over the past couple of weeks now, having Campbell dropping into the 2nd. Interesting fact… Walker & Campbell were both born on the exact same day!!!!
March 21st, 2025 at 1:59 pm
Hearty Dickerson … ‘I think there’s an excellent chance that will be a DT. Grant, Harmon; Alexander’.
I’d certainly love to see us take a DT/NT if one of those were the BPA at #19. Normally you want your top pick to be on the field for a BUNCH of snaps (and not be a rotational player for his freshman year), but this might be an exception.
Drafting a beastly DT/NT to rotate in with Vea this year would create gigantic new opportunities for Todd Bowles in terms of pass rush. A more CONSISTENT interior pass rush (with our 3 interior DLinemen) allows our 2 OLBs to feast, as well as allows other blitzes to be more effective. Force the QB to get rid of the ball faster or to move out of the pocket more and we’ll have made his job a whole lot more difficult. That’s what allowed the Eagles last year to get 60 sacks from the guys up-front.
Other considerations are that Vea goes down for any period of time (as he’s done at points in th past), our whole defense changes, big-time. Plus he’s proven to be a lot more effective if we can keep him fresh. And oh ya, he is 30 years old, and his contract only runs through the end of next year. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him decide to hang it up by age 32. Investing NOW in his future replacement could prove to be a very solid decision.
March 21st, 2025 at 2:06 pm
The middle of the defense is way too soft, I’m with the others who are making the case. Monte’s defenses were always so stout in the middle. Sapp, Nickerson/Quarles, Lynch, with DB55 being everywhere.
March 21st, 2025 at 2:47 pm
I haven’t been on board with drafting an ILB in the first round, and even less now that the main guy has an injury. There is ILB talent in the 2nd and 3rd rounds that would likely be comparable at a far less cost. First round pick should be one of the great edge talents: Green, Pearce, or Ezeiruaku. If they are all off the board, then BPA…
March 21st, 2025 at 3:34 pm
TEACHERMAN
I AGREE WITH YOU!!!!!!
TRUST BOWLES
GO BUCS!!!!!
March 21st, 2025 at 4:21 pm
BUCS SELECT ———> TYLER WARREN
YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:44 pm
Here’s one that makes as much sense as any draft recommendation found here in the Peanut Gallery …
Why?
Because, like all other fan suggestions, rest assured it will be ignored by the brain trust over at 1 Buc.
So, for what it’s worth:
Trade White, Dean, this year’s first and next year’s second round pick to the team most likely to select Travis Hunter on Draft Day.
You get a shut down corner and a backup WR in one swoop.
Ah, to dream …
March 21st, 2025 at 4:53 pm
ILB
March 21st, 2025 at 5:06 pm
@TraskToTheFuture
Bucs aren’t drafting Warren or Loveland. They should be drafting D for pretty much the whole draft. Maybe another OL might not be a bad idea but it should pretty much be all D.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:11 pm
What does anyone expect from a poster with the second coming of Mike Glennon in his handle. Only Glennon was actually better, at least he got to start and lose some games.
March 21st, 2025 at 7:07 pm
Campbells shoulder could knock him into the 2nd round. I’d still go edge rusher first round. Wanna help the secondary with your first round pick, but not rely on a rookie then take the best available edge rusher and your linebacker and corner in rounds 2 and 3
March 21st, 2025 at 8:20 pm
@Trask to the Furture
I think Tyler Warren is absolutely a dark horse pick if they stay at pick 19.
March 21st, 2025 at 9:11 pm
I wasn’t a fan of Dean last season. It’s time to move on from him and get a reliable corner who can have an impact AND stay in the games. 12 million? No way!
March 21st, 2025 at 10:32 pm
I just did another sim draft with no trades….and only first 5 rounds….i like it
Emmanwori
DT-Grant
LB-Chris Paul jr
CB-Cobee Bryant
OG-Luke Kandra
March 21st, 2025 at 11:13 pm
Take Campbell. Even with the injury. Give him all the time he needs to recover but while recovering he can be glued to LVDs side and learn a lot mentally. Let’s say he misses 8 weeks bout half the season then he has about another 8 to get into form and maybe help more in the playoffs. He could still make an impact.
March 22nd, 2025 at 1:18 am
I am hoping Campbell falls in the draft now and the Bucs can snag him in the second or maybe even the third round. We have enough depth to start the season. There are a few other ILBs who will be available in the middle of the draft too.
I too think the Bucs draft Emmanwori if he is there at 19.
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:49 am
Javon Walker (if he drops) to fill the Devin White lb role without his locker room issues?
What do you think, Joe?
March 23rd, 2025 at 2:39 pm
@JA – yeah, I’d sure say that “makes sense” LoL… For US. But, NOT for whoever the team is DUMB enough to do THAT. Not Happenin. NO ONE is gonna be THAT STUPID. It’d take a whoooole LOT MORE than what YOU just offered… As you said, “Ah, to dream.” LoL. NOBODY is taking an often injured, ‘middle of the road’ CB (owed $12-MIL+ for one season), AND a RB with only just 1-year remaining on his contract, while ONLY getting in return a #19 Pick & a late 2ND for next season FOR Travis. Hunter. A Top-5 PICK. Now, THAT’S CRAZY. When you do these you have to be ‘realistic’ & LOGICAL, for the ‘other’ team. NOT just the BUCS. They’d have to at least give up this years AND next years #1’s. And, NO ‘rebuilding’ team is taking BOTH Dean AND White for only 1-SEASON. Again, NOT happenin. I wish it would too, but THAT (what YOU offered) isn’t gettin’ it done.
March 24th, 2025 at 12:31 am
I saw this article and hope Bucs would not trade Dean for a 5th round pick. I would want at least a 3 rd round pick for Dean.