Jihaad Campbell Surgery May Benefit Bucs
March 20th, 2025
Injury revealed.
Bad news for Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell; good news for the Bucs.
The way folks were talking about this Campbell, who is a beast, Joe was starting to get scared some team before the Bucs pick at No. 19 may grab him, or trade down so another team could pick him ahead of the Bucs.
It appears, per Jordan Reid of BSPN, that Campbell had shoulder surgery for a torn labrum just days after the combine. That tells Joe that all the medical tests conducted at the combine found the injury.
Or, Campbell may have injured the shoulder at the combine. It is unclear when Campbell got hurt. He left the Alabama-Michigan Outback Bowl on Jan. 1 with what the team deemed “an upper-body injury.”
Per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, a torn labrum can take as long as eight months of post-surgery rehab to heal. That could put Campbell on the shelf through October.
Why is Joe smiling at someone’s misfortune? Well, if Campbell can’t play Week 1, perhaps his surgery and unavailability at the start of the season will spook enough teams to allow Campbell to fall into Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht’s lap?
https://twitter.com/newbeachfan/status/1901289674376699906
March 20th, 2025 at 4:20 am
That’s a heck of a risk for a first round pick. I love the kid, he seems like a perfect pick, but idk Joe. Like you’ve said before, your first three rounds, those guys should be starting or competing. He won’t have any meaningful reps in OTAs, Training Camp, and won’t get him until MAYBE October? Sounds like a dirty four letter word to me (hope).
March 20th, 2025 at 4:37 am
Bucs need help this season. Seems like a big risk at this point to draft a player that might be unable to participate a significant part of the season.
March 20th, 2025 at 4:46 am
When I heard yesterday that Campbell had just had surgery for a torn labrum, my first thought was ‘Pass’. The last thing we need right now is to waste our precious Rnd 1 pick on a player who won’t be able to help us win the Super Bowl. No drafting damaged goods; we need beasts who can start & dominate from Day 1.
Like you wrote Joe, he may not be able to get any playing time until about October. So as a rookie he’d miss ALL of Training Camp, and when he finally did get to play it’d almost surely be for limited reps as a rotational player because if we haven’t found a starting MLB by then, we won’t be in the hunt for the Super Bowl.
Bucs have other NEEDS that are worthy of our Rnd 1 pick assuming that the right player falls to us. A starter-quality CB for instance. Or my preference, a beastly DT/NT to rotate in with Vea & dominate the interior, even against constant double-teams. Would even go for a beastly Edge in Rnd 1. But a recovering rookie MLB who won’t be available until October at the earliest? MAYBE if he’s still available in Rnd 3, but not in Rnds 1 or 2.
March 20th, 2025 at 4:53 am
This is not good news for this young kid. Sounds like he tore it in the Outback Bowl. That’s why alot of these players don’t want to play in the Bowl games anymore. A linebacker with a shoulder injury would make him a bad choice for us at this point. Hope he can heal up and have a great career but now we’d better be looking at a Plan B. Gipper has me looking at this South Carolina guy-Emmanwori. He’s a real force in the middle of the field and an incredible athlete. Licht will make the right choices, but he’s got a tough one to make here.
March 20th, 2025 at 4:55 am
Have had a torn Labrum and lived with it for 2 years without surgery. 8 months for a supreme athlete to be 100% is probably about right. Took me about 3 months after surgery before i was able to feel good about going back to work. It was not 100% yet though and I was still doing therapy daily. Most of it was to maintain strength and stretching to maintain flexibility and range of movement.
Could this much younger man play football inside of eight months? I think so. But I do not possess a medical degree. He could be available for camp and OTAs are not really all that physical so… mostly just learning with some drills for the rookies to get up to speed.
Draft is a funny thing and who knows we might go for a kicker. LOL
He can play! What does Jason do… Go for it If he is there!
Go Bucs!
March 20th, 2025 at 5:02 am
And it’s hard to argue DRs logic. The biggest baddest orneryist DT available or the best Corner available.
March 20th, 2025 at 5:12 am
Kenton … ‘Gipper has me looking at this South Carolina guy-Emmanwori. He’s a real force in the middle of the field and an incredible athlete.’
Interesting. CBS Sports just came out with their newest mock of the first 3 rounds, and to the Bucs …
o Rnd 1: Nick Emmanwori, Safety (6’3″ & 220 lbs).
o Rnd 2: Carson Schwesinger, ILB (6’2″ & 225 lbs).
o Rnd 3: Kyle Kennard, Edge (6’5″ & 254 lbs)
That’s an interesting mix. Adding a Safety in the Top-3 picks is a twist, but Emmanwori is a true talent. If we’re gonna go this way (S then ILB), I’d much rather pick a beastly DT/NT in Rnd 3 (worst case Rnd 4). One guy who interests me that far down is Deone Walker, NT (6’6″ & 348 lbs). His 2024 season was just OK, but in 2023 he was a beast for Kentucky (7.5 sacks with 55 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, two passes batted, and eight hurries). Might pay to figure out who the REAL Deone Walker is.
March 20th, 2025 at 5:14 am
I think there’s better value later in the draft at ILB. This pick should be used on a more premium position like Edge or CB.
March 20th, 2025 at 5:29 am
Disappointing with some worry. However, being positive, other players have had that injury and have come back successfully. I could be wrong, but didn’t Kittle play with that injury as well as others. Baker too while with the Browns. Campbell is young and determined. I still think he is a winner.
March 20th, 2025 at 5:48 am
I wanted this kid because he’s plug, and play. Now that he’s not, pass. I’ve torn my labrum, no biggy he will fully recover, but it is an 8 month injury. The signing of Walker, and hopefully a healthy Dennis means we can wait on a MLB. Still nab one before the 4th round, the kid from UCLA is an option. Now I’d look corner at 19, but I got the feeling it’s going to be the SC safety.
March 20th, 2025 at 6:09 am
Given ILB is one the hardest positions for a rookie to adept to the NFL, missing camp is huge.
We better use the pick to addres one of our other defensive needs or on Tyler Warren, were he to fall to 19 (unlikely though).
March 20th, 2025 at 6:10 am
He wasn’t a first rounder on everybody’s board. Some had/have him early second. Perhaps the Bucs can replicate the quality of the Sapp/Lynch draft by getting one of the top edges, Emmanwori (safety), or one of the top DT’s and still grab Campbell in the second by doing a little trading up.
March 20th, 2025 at 6:18 am
Sorry. Sapp/Brooks
March 20th, 2025 at 6:23 am
It seems to be there are stories of guys from labrum injuries coming back and playing strongly — Drew Brees. And guys that take a long time after their labrum surgery — Andrew Luck – who did not throw for over 600 days.
On the defense we know of bad luck — We had Noah Spence who had a solid 1st year with 5.5 sacks. He had the Labrum surgery but was in and out all the time and did reinjure the shoulder. Maybe for him the extension that he had to use to reach and grab a ball carrier put that stress on him.
Noah Spence was the 1st guy I ever followed Pro Football Doc on. He correctly predicted that after the 2nd injury to Noah Spence on the shoulder that the shoulder would never heal correctly after that.
But I think we have Rashan Gary on the other side that had the surgery on Thanksgiving week 2022 and came back and played every game in 2023.
To me, Campbell was never a top 10 pick – so I would not gamble the 19 pick on him at this point — but concede that others might.
March 20th, 2025 at 6:29 am
Nick Emmanwori = Steve Atwater.
March 20th, 2025 at 6:33 am
get him!
March 20th, 2025 at 7:09 am
Nice would be fools to pass up on him.
March 20th, 2025 at 7:15 am
Pass, it’s Devin White 2.0
March 20th, 2025 at 7:24 am
Does anyone remember Keith McCants?
March 20th, 2025 at 7:24 am
Pass in the first round. Maybe in the second round!
March 20th, 2025 at 7:26 am
Considering how many players on the team get injured, this should be considered very high risk
March 20th, 2025 at 7:38 am
Nick Emmanwori is definitely in that mold of Steve Atwater and Derwin James. One draft profile read “thnk a more explosive version of Kam Chancellor with better man coverage skills.”
And he runs at 4.38 forty at that size? Wonder if you can bulk up and play ILB? No idea what kind of frame he has.
LVD = 6’1″ 233
His RAS score:
“Nick Emmanwori hit 10.00 at SS, would hit it at FS and CB as well.
He’d also hit 10.00 at WR, though he’d actually be #2 behind Calvin Johnson, there’s just a LOT of WR so due to rounding and such. He’d actually be like 9.999. Hits 9.87 at LB, with size dipping him.”
March 20th, 2025 at 7:47 am
Given the short-term contracts with veteran players, the Bucs are in ‘win-now’ mode and should not spend a first round pick on someone who can’t contribute immediately. If Campbell slips to the 2nd round (which I doubt), then yes, select him.
March 20th, 2025 at 7:48 am
Pass. Mike Green if he’s there
March 20th, 2025 at 7:52 am
Stop taking off-ball LBs in the first round.
March 20th, 2025 at 7:58 am
Waste of a pick. Devin White 2.0. Don’t draft ILb’s with your first pick.
March 20th, 2025 at 8:01 am
Buying refurbished is for the later rounds
March 20th, 2025 at 8:25 am
Between Campbell and Dennis there should be at least 2 good shoulders
March 20th, 2025 at 8:46 am
Emmanwori, Emmanwori, Emmanwori. Go watch his tape.
March 20th, 2025 at 8:54 am
Trade Down for Darien Porter! Sean Sullivan loves this guy
March 20th, 2025 at 8:57 am
For the way this team is built to potentially contend, we need our 1st rd pick to be a day 1 starter. Licht has had some great drafts but he’s also had some picks that made absolute no sense…..picking a guy 1st rd you know wont play would fall into that group. I think there’s only two positions that would be an exception….QB and DE, other than that, you need your 1st rd pick to be an immediate contributor. Reminds me of picking Kyle Trask with a 2nd rd pick when we have Brady and are maxing out the cap trying to compete for SBs……it made no sense to use a pick that high on someone you have no intention to play. If we cant get a DE or LB we like…..snag a stud TE and stack the offense even further.
March 20th, 2025 at 9:08 am
Man, that is a tough break for the kid. He may fall out of the 1st with that. Maybe a trade back target.
March 20th, 2025 at 9:12 am
I like the idea of JC but he has the kiss of death trait for a LB…. lack or instincts.
NEVER draft a LB with that as part of his universal traits.
Lots of round 2 and 3 ILB that have better evals than JC.
March 20th, 2025 at 9:14 am
Potential Draft Picks
* (#19) Donovan Ezeiruaku (21) – Boston College, OLB
* (#53) Carson Schwesinger (22) – UCLA, MLB
* (#84) Nohl Williams (22) – California, CB
* (#121) Vernon Broughton (22) – Texas, DL
* (#157) Nick Nash (23) – San Jose State, WR
* (#235) Ja’Quinden Jackson (23) – Arkansas, RB
Potential UDFA (Options)
* Karene Reid (22) – Utah
* Smael Mondon Jr. (21) – Georgia
* Nickolas Martin (22) – Oklahoma State
* Carson Bruener (22) – Washington
March 20th, 2025 at 9:23 am
Trade out of 19 & pick him later
March 20th, 2025 at 9:34 am
More and more mocks have Bucs drafting Mike Green and I am fine with that. 2nd Rd. Darien Porter or Shavon Revel at CB and both are 6’3″ + and run 4.40 or faster with good techniques, tall and fast CB’s are difficult to find.
March 20th, 2025 at 9:36 am
JL will probably move him down the draft board a bit, but if he’s still at the top of the list at #19 he’ll still pick him.
March 20th, 2025 at 9:44 am
I didn’t think he was their best option before this injury. At least he and Sirvossia Dennis will have that in common if he’s the pick.
March 20th, 2025 at 10:14 am
Hard pass. Plenty of good LBs in round 2 through 5.
Get the best CB or S available in first two rounds.
Then get a LB and DE.
An injured player does nothing for us and the pick is to high to waste.
Remember how excited the Joes were for Jameis?
How’d that one turn out?
March 20th, 2025 at 10:17 am
Most idiotic post ever
An injury based draft decision?
March 20th, 2025 at 10:19 am
Tampabaybucfan Says:
March 20th, 2025 at 9:23 am
Trade out of 19 & pick him later
*****************************
BINGO!!!!!
dont want to pick a MLB in the 1st round…would rather go trenches or skill position
GO BUCS!!!!!
March 20th, 2025 at 10:39 am
No Thank You….
Perhaps if he’s there in the 2nd rd – but hell no to selecting damaged goods in the 1st round.
March 20th, 2025 at 10:42 am
Bucs should pass on him in round 1. Perhaps he’s still there in round 2 and/or try and move up to get him in round 2. Shoulder injuries tend to linger and reoccur. Too risky to invest in him in round 1.
March 20th, 2025 at 10:43 am
lol his injury will benefit the bucs. talk about rose colored glasses….
how about the bucs dont draft damaged goods especially in the first round.
sirvocea dennis anyone?
March 20th, 2025 at 10:53 am
@DR, too funny, i posted those same exact picks last week. And that exact scenario would be perfect, but Schwesinger may not be there when we pick in the 2nd. But if DT Kenneth Grant is, there we go.
March 20th, 2025 at 11:01 am
I’m not sure he’s worthy of being a “Baird Man”.
March 20th, 2025 at 11:11 am
They need help at LB NOW. They are a Super Bowl contender now.
If he drops to RD 2, go for it.
March 20th, 2025 at 11:18 am
Assuming the owners have any impact on the draft, I doubt the Glazers would sign off on drafting Edge Mike Green since he has multiple allegations of sexual assault. Where there is smoke…..
Not a “Bucs man”
March 20th, 2025 at 11:45 am
kID IS DAMAGED GOODS JOE COMING RIGHT OUT OF TH GATE. NOPE. GET SOMEBOFY ELSE for THE DEFENSE
March 20th, 2025 at 11:46 am
MLB don’t get picked in the 1st round that often. I could see JC falling to the 2nd due to injury.
March 20th, 2025 at 12:23 pm
If Campbell can play both inside (off-ball LB) and outside (edge) and can cover he is worth the pick. Hopefully, we have LVD, Dennis, and Walker in the middle, Reddick, YaYa, Nelson, and Braswell on the outside, no need to rush him on the field. I always looked at what the Titans did with Jeffrey Simmons, they took him in the draft, they waited and he is one of the best defensive linemen. Bucs, somewhat have more of a luxury than the Titans did.
March 20th, 2025 at 1:08 pm
Baker had a torn labrum… how’s that working out? Grab the kid if available.
March 20th, 2025 at 1:12 pm
There have been some great players drafted who were in the discount bin due to injuries. As a Miami Hurricanes fan, I would offer Willis McGahee and Frank Gore as examples. McGahee suffered a gruesome injury in the national championship game, but was picked in the first round nonetheless. His rookie season was essentially a redshirt, but he ended up with four, one thousand yard seasons and two Pro Bowls. Gore is an even greater story. Dude tore ACL’s in two different years in college, but was drafted in the 3rd round and played 16 seasons. Gore actually changed from being a speed back to more of a power back. If Campbell is as talented as people think, drafting him might still make sense.
March 20th, 2025 at 1:27 pm
Let em bake……….
Baker was a number one overall pick.
No one is suggesting that Campbell is close to being a number one pick.
After Baker had the surgery in January 2022, the 2022 NFL season for Baker was his worst.
So just curious why you value Campbell as a top 10 player or top 20 player at this point and rehabbing from a surgery that he will most likely not be ready to start the season.
March 20th, 2025 at 2:19 pm
On the surface Emmanwori looks awesome.
Some concerns about reports that he has lapses in engagement during the game.
Don’t need another Diva White who gets bored..
March 20th, 2025 at 2:39 pm
Ezeiruaku had 16.5 sacks. He would be a better choice than drafting a guy with shoulder surgery that may not even play a down this season. I would pass on Campbell, and get someone who can rush the passer right out of the gate.
March 20th, 2025 at 2:41 pm
I had a torn labrum surgically repaired and the recovery was awful, but from what I understand, my situation was not normal.
Most are closer to 5 – 6 months. BUT that would still mean he’s not full go for OTAs, training camp, preseason, etc… That’s definitely risky. 1st round picks need to be able to contribute in year 1 IMO.
March 20th, 2025 at 4:00 pm
edge, cb, or safety then. unless a studly wr is there
March 20th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
Crazy talk – you don’t buy a broken down car
This is some lunacy even for you Joes
March 20th, 2025 at 7:50 pm
I wouldnt take him in the first even without an injury. Id focus on edge and CB in that order. Take a LB in mid rounds if there is potential. Weak draft overall for LBs. Look at the LB first rounders over the past 15 years, maybe less than handful ended up being the best in their class. Im okay with passijng on Campbell even more so now with the injury.
March 20th, 2025 at 7:54 pm
@let em bake
Baker doesnt tackle.
March 20th, 2025 at 8:12 pm
Seems risky for round 1. I think Bucs will need their pick available for mini-camp and training camp if they’re projected a starter. Might be worth a gamble in Rd2 if he’s still on the board.
March 20th, 2025 at 9:49 pm
Another Buc First Round flop.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:21 am
Out of the gates with a shoulder injury reeminds me a lot of Sirvocea Dennis. The Bucs need a player that will make an immediate impact. There’s a lot of buzz about Nick Emmanwori. I believe he’d be a menace at safety, stepping into the box for run support or covering backs and tight ends. There are plenty of ILB in the draft to fill needs without dropping a 1st round pick.
March 21st, 2025 at 1:29 pm
Bucs need help at linebacker immediately not someone who may play in October or later. I know we signed a free agent linebacker but we all know how sometimes that’s a crapshoot. If the Bucs want to contend for a Super Bowl next season I don’t know if they can take the risk.
March 21st, 2025 at 1:51 pm
YaYa had 65 QB pressures last year and 4.5 sacks. If just 10% of those pressures had been sacks (6.5), he would have ended up being a double digit sack artist for the Bucs last year with 11. So, imagine if we had a defensive play-caller who asked his corners to press more often instead of offering big cushions to receivers? Those QB pressures would have been sacks because a QB is not going to take a chance and throw to a receiver who is being “pressed” or covered more closely. He will, however, throw the ball towards the intended receiver if he has heat on him but sees a lot of separation between the WR and our Dback. The D-Coordinator is the primary problem here.
March 21st, 2025 at 5:33 pm
If you’ve ever had a shoulder injury and looked into surgerical options you see that 1. Surgery isn’t a guaranteed success 2. It’s a long and painful recovery.
A bum shoulder is what effectively ended Simeon Rice’s career.
March 22nd, 2025 at 4:50 pm
Torn labrum? Could be up to 2 years recovery . Horrible injury. If he’s drafted, it’s a flyer at best. 5th round or higher.
March 22nd, 2025 at 4:52 pm
Trade down for all the 3rd picks you can get.