Chatter In NFL Circles Has Bucs Linked To Two Defensive Players In First Round
April 13th, 2025
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
In NFL circles, the month of April is known as “lying season.”
Not that guys who run NFL teams are necessarily liars, but in the weeks leading up to the draft (two weeks too long) there is no benefit for teams to allow the public at large to know their intentions.
So make of the following what you will. BSPN draft analyst Jordan Reid said the chatter among clubs not named “Buccaneers” is that the Bucs are very high on two players, both defenders.
Alabama inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell and Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku.
What we’re hearing about the Bucs’ draft: Defense is a priority for the Bucs, and two names that have been linked to them the most are linebacker Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) and edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College). Campbell is viewed as a potential eventual successor to Lavonte David and a long-term centerpiece of Bowles’ defense. And Ezeiruaku has become a hot name in league circles and could be drafted much higher than originally expected.
This seems to jibe with the intel from NFL.com analysts. There, four of seven analysts have the Bucs going with Campbell at No. 19.
Joe has typed this several times and will continue to do so until the draft is completed: Joe could argue to draft a guy at No. 19 at every position on the defense.
Joe’s only requirement is that whomever the Bucs select, the dude must make an impact as a rookie.
At worst, the Bucs at No. 19 ought to be able to get the third-best player at his position.
April 13th, 2025 at 7:34 am
Just don’t see taking Campbell. Shoulders are odd injuries. Three years in were still waiting on Dennis.
April 13th, 2025 at 7:43 am
I doubt whoever wrote that had any true inside information. It just seems like the most logical and wise direction to go with re value of pick, true needs and everything. Licht may surprise us all. I still say defensive BPA. If an OT drops to us that should have been taken 3-4 draft spots earlier, I’m not wanting that particular BPA.
As long as whatever direction he goes is the right choice, I can be won over easily.
April 13th, 2025 at 8:04 am
Draft the healthiest player!
April 13th, 2025 at 8:07 am
I think Philly is a big influence on what the Bucs will do in the draft for two main reasons. First, it’s a copycat league and Vic Fangio’s defense dominated last year running nickel on 80% of snaps. They were able to do that with very talented nickel Cooper DeJean drafted in the first round and by stopping run and getting to passer with front four. Second is the tush push. If you’re going to beat Philly (and everyone w a big QB that will copy Philly this year), you’ve got to stop the tush push.
That means getting bigger on DL and adding more secondary players. I can see Coach Bowles using Tykee Smith similar to DeJean and keeping D in nickel more often. This would make safety a necessity in the draft since we don’t have one of the roster. There are three good ones. Two will likely be there when Bucs Pick, but I don’t think they have a first round grades on either. The Bucs also need at least one and likely two big DL.
If there are 20 players w first round grades followed by a pool of 80-100 similarly graded players, the Bucs at 19 will either take one of those first round graded players or trade back. Bucs are in a great position for a team that wants to get ahead of Pittsburgh at 21 to draft Sanders. Browns and their 10 picks could be ideal trade partner. Would allow Browns to “put all my kids together” (assuming they take Hunter at #2) setting up Deion as HC for 2026. It would certainly change the narrative in Cleveland.
April 13th, 2025 at 8:23 am
As far as ILB goes, who is coming out next year? Maybe the Bucs look for a 1st round starting ILB next year as LVD might not be back. Jurt is still out on injured shoulder SVD.
April 13th, 2025 at 8:30 am
Ezeiruaku is the pick if he’s on the board at #19…..
April 13th, 2025 at 8:33 am
Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo was drafted by Philadelphia in the 1st round last year. DeJean was 2nd round.
By the way, if we do not take a safety early, a late round choice that I think fits for Todd Bowles and the Bucs defense is another Toledo kid, Maxen Hook.
Kid came out of High School as the 250th rated safety. Dane Brugler of The Athletic has him as the 11th rated safety in this years class.
Last three seasons. 33 games, 257 tackles (86 per season), 19 PD, 7 Ints.
April 13th, 2025 at 8:39 am
3rd best player at position?
1st best punter
1st best kicker
1st best long snapper
April 13th, 2025 at 8:43 am
In the military liars season would be a part of what we called tactical deception. However, I think in this story it’s the truth. We’ve been hearing those two names for months. I think the WR or possible offensive pick at #19 are the lies.
April 13th, 2025 at 8:49 am
Any chance the Bucs pick the 450 lb DT from Florida in the 7th/UFA as a short yardage run stopper? Maybe this becomes a “thing” in picking up specialty player for those half dozen times a game when a team has 3rd and 2 or 4th and 1. Can you imagine teams trying to move that guy and Vea in the middle?
April 13th, 2025 at 9:30 am
I doubt the Big Gator is an NFL football player. Unlike Vita who is huge but can run down a ball carrier, this dude is just huge. Not athletic. Bringing him in as UDFA, no risk. Someone probably will. But the problem is, while it’s difficult to move him, it’s also difficult for him to move.
April 13th, 2025 at 9:49 am
If Ezeirauku is not available Bucs should trade back and get 2 2nd rounders.
April 13th, 2025 at 10:29 am
Joe, if we need an immediate impact on day one it’s sad but it probably isn’t Campbell. He is a stud but the availability is in question. Not going through rookie mini-camp, camp and maybe those meaningless preseason games will hurt his progress. Lavonte David’s replacement is out there somewhere, although it might not be early in the draft. Line-backers can be had in the second or third rounds. Hall of famers, that’s a different story. Replacing Lavonte is almost impossible, finding a gem can be had with patience and knowledge. Our scouts have both of these traits and I definitely trust Jason and his team. Get the best athlete that can contribute from day one.
April 13th, 2025 at 10:45 am
No more already injured players. We need an immediate ability to play.
April 13th, 2025 at 10:49 am
What the Bucs must know, and presumably do know, is the extent of the injury and the type of surgery.
Players have debridement of shoulder tears at the end of every season and are ready to go when camp comes around. Now, if he had a major dislocation and had shoulder stabilization surgery, you are talking November.
But, we know that the shoulder was injured in the Reliaquest Bowl on December 31st. Surely, if he needed major shoulder stabilization surgery, he would have had in in January to be on the field in October.
Instead, he looked great at the Combine in March and only skipped a few things that put the shoulder at the greatest strain or risk. That makes major shoulder stabilization surgery unlikely, and he should be ready to go by camp or preseason.
April 13th, 2025 at 11:11 am
trade down within round one and take the best available athlete that isn’t an RB QB or OT
April 13th, 2025 at 11:28 am
Their knowledge of the Buc’s draft is linked to reading the ‘tea leaves’ from their dog in the back yard. IF Licht or any GM leaked info it’s to throw people off or for their own amusement. The rest is just speculative click bait. The one thing I do believe from Licht is that they will wait until the draft to see who it plays out. How can you ‘be associated’ with guys that other teams pick in front of you?
April 13th, 2025 at 11:28 am
How it plays out.
April 13th, 2025 at 12:17 pm
If only these immovable non-athletes could learn to long snap, it would give them tremendous value and justify using a roster spot on them. Tush-push/ST Specialist
April 13th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
I don’t like the shoulder issue. You’re going to use that shoulder when making all kinds of tackles and if a running back gets a great block right up the middle he’s going to put his head down and make contact. Split second decisions are dangerous ones.. Time is not on the Bucs side for this run and if they get any changes made to the offense down like last season, I can only imagine lets say forty points a game. With two or three stops on defense, they can really only beat themselves. Is this going to be the year?!!?!! Let’s Go Bucs!!!!
April 13th, 2025 at 1:25 pm
Campbell does look like a stud but I agree with Joe. Need a healthy starter on defense at 19. Plus positional value should mean we can find a LB on Friday.
April 13th, 2025 at 1:27 pm
The 450 pond guy from Florida could be put on practice squad then called up when Bucs play Eagles in playoffs. A tush push killer!
April 13th, 2025 at 1:31 pm
Some people on here say if whoever the bucs want is not there just trade back. Not that simple. You are on the clock and then you have to find a trade partner to give you fair value for the pick . Then you got to think about who may be there with new pick.
April 13th, 2025 at 1:33 pm
BPA on defense. If you get a generational talent fall to 19 and they are offense then you prob gotta pick that player. It’s tough for me cause there’s a really good player at a position that is a need now and in the future. ILB is the route I would go but I’m glad I’m not the GM lol
April 13th, 2025 at 1:39 pm
Smoke.
They’re not taking either.
April 13th, 2025 at 2:27 pm
Ezeiruaku Is the guy imo. I’ve been pounding the table for him for months.
April 13th, 2025 at 3:37 pm
No kidding. lol. I think this is before Campbell’s surgery. I don’t think he’s as high on their board anymore. Of course we are all speculating. I had someone ask me for a picture of Jason’s board. We are all giving our opinions of what we believe the Bucs brass is thinking this time of year. EZ is my top realistic player to be there at 19. Although, With the Saints taking a Qb (Dart?) that might change things a bit.
It’s going to break my heart when the Falcons draft Jalen Walker.
This draft is so strange cause there’s about a 12 players with 1st round grades but the next 60 players are 2nd round guys that are really solid players. Even the next 50 have early 3 day grades. Teams like Chicago with a ton of mid round pick are going to get much better post draft.
April 13th, 2025 at 7:32 pm
Im nearly 40 and not an elite athlete, but I hold my own. I dislocated my shoulder pretty bad (just shy of surgery) and it took almost a year to be pain free, and about 6 months until it was “back to normal”
April 13th, 2025 at 7:48 pm
I am so sick of all day trade rumors it’s sickening to the point of not wanting to watch football steelers & Aaron Rodgers is the worst why does the internet let these people post this nonsense day in day out have they no pride I wud rather see nothing than this BS get a life even the Kurt cousins crap like the 360,000,000 he has is supposed to make u feel sorry for him what a joke
April 13th, 2025 at 8:35 pm
Ready.. Set… Punctuate!!
April 13th, 2025 at 8:37 pm
Can you people stop about the big fat useless Florida defensive tackle? He sucked at Florida. He didn’t even start his last season. Zero discipline and no dedication. Not a Buccaneer man.
April 13th, 2025 at 9:02 pm
I like Jack Kiser as a late day 3 pick if we could pick up some extra draft picks or pick him up as a undrafted free agent. Best Tackling LB in this year’s draft he’s really Good in zone coverage has a really high football iq.
All of his teammates say he’s a great leader on the field kinda like the QB on defense
April 13th, 2025 at 9:33 pm
I think the pick is going to be D line or secondary.
April 13th, 2025 at 9:45 pm
Ezeiruaku really @ 19. OMG. Cmon get real.
You’re all entitled to your opinions I suppose. Like dislike/ I like him, blah blah, etc, but @ pick 19 that’s too high for a developmental stage player. He’s not coming to the NFL dropping double digit sacks a season. Cmon now.
I’d rather not even take an OLB here. There’s a big difference between a guy who comes into town ready to go and starter worthy week one vs somebody who needs a year. We sat and stuck with Joe Tryon for 4 years he was like this. It’s just a waste. Get someone ready and can start right now! A freak athlete who brings attention to the field, and a go getter.
April 13th, 2025 at 10:04 pm
Yeah no to Campbell no way he’s the best guy available with huge red flag injuries showing up. We need this guy to start and I don’t think he will be even close to ready for training camp, preseason, week 1 etc..
I’d seriously consider looking at CB at 19, the thing is in the first round injuries you can’t have injuries and be selected. That’s the #1 rule of thumb for NFL teams. Even 2nd rd investments to injured guys scream red flag. A DL or a CB makes a lot of sense I think.
Hairston the CB from Kentucky?
A speed demon and probably an immediate need right now right!
What about Derrick Harmon DL, Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart?
I had strong gut feelings against Luther burden in the past, but maybe even with Godwin back maybe now we draft him if available at 19. Then move Godwin back outside.
Would drafting a highly skilled IOL like Tyler Booker really a bad thing at pick 19?
More talent to protect the QB never hurts.
If not Malik Hairston CB at 19 then I think it’s gonna be a boring, but needy pick. DL/OL – Best one available and forever I’ve screamed draft only defense and that’s what I think we should still do.
April 13th, 2025 at 10:18 pm
Next year 2026 NFL draft not seeing a lot of major possibilities yet for Tampa Bay needs post pick #23.
I do see Archie Manning going to the New Orleans Saints #1 next season though. He’s gonna be a great QB and not just because of his family name. Its his ability to make the best decisions.
Long term yeah TB needs to ensure we have the best defense possible against him. Shut em down! No aints success ever! Rule of thumb. Lol
This is our division. I see a lot of decent WRs available, and Harold Perkins LSU listed 6-1 225 LBs , he seems built right now more like a DB. Ehh need the 6-3 235 lbs 4.5 freaks. Where those boys at?
April 14th, 2025 at 4:23 am
Would love to see us able to take Ezeiruaku at 19 if he is still there.
April 14th, 2025 at 4:54 am
I still think the left guard from North Central (Illinois) is their man. For those who don’t know, North Central was Division III champions.
April 14th, 2025 at 6:27 am
“At worst, the Bucs at No. 19 ought to be able to get the third-best player at his position.”
Not sure the third best OLB is gonna have much of an impact as a rookie Joe. Sure we could get lucky but…
Third best DT? Grant Yes! Third best corner? Again Barron maybe. OLB? Not at 19. Unless they are gambling with Campbells shoulder. Pearce is off Jasons board unless he has lost his mind. Ezeiruaku? Not at 19…Trade back if we can and/or take one of the CBs Revel. Extra pick yields a…Safety? ILB?
Go Bucs!