Selection At No. 19 Comes Into Clearer Focus
March 11th, 2025
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
As is often the case, what a team does in free agency is often a strong tell for what the team will do in the draft.
Joe has stated repeatedly that if one of the following are selected by the Bucs at No. 19 in the draft next month, Joe will be happy and content.
* Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State.
* Mike Green, edge rusher, Marshall.
* Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama.
Any would be an excellent addition. But let’s be real, with the Bucs bringing Chris Godwin back, Joe isn’t sure how wise it would be to draft the Buckeyes’ Godwin clone at No. 19, unless Godwin has a setback in his rehab.
Still, drafting a receiver in the first round when your Nos. 1 and 2 receivers are 32- and 29-years old isn’t a completely stupid move. The rookie can ease his way into the lineup.
And, with the signing of Hasson Reddick while already having YaYa Diaby on board and expecting “shock” from Chris Braswell in 2025, Joe’s not sure drafting Green at No. 19 is wise.
Of course, a team can never have enough good edge rushers.
Then there is Campbell at No. 19. To Joe, it sure seems like that’s what the Bucs plans are. Yesterday the Bucs did not address inside linebacker. There are scant decent ones left.
So it’s Lavonte David and… who? Sure, SirVocea Dennis makes plays. When he’s on the field. And that’s the issue. He makes Jamel Dean look like Rondé Barber from an availability perspective.
Joe isn’t sure how the Bucs can responsibly say Dennis is their guy when Dennis cannot (yet) stay healthy. Would Joe love to see Dennis start 17 games? Hell, yes. But Joe is a burning bush kind of guy and has to see it to believe it.
Hoping and wishing are for nursery rhymes and prom nights, not the National Football League.
So Joe thinks the Bucs have a big bull’s eye on Campbell. Hey, if Dennis proves he can stay on the field, then you have an excellent piece of depth and, when David retires, Dennis can take over there.
Campbell is so versatile and can do so many things, including rushing the passer and blitzing, Joe doesn’t know how the Bucs could pass on a quality Nick Saban linebacker with so many current questions marks at inside linebacker.
So yeah, Egbuka would be cool. Green would be tantalizing. But Campbell would be the smart pick for now and into the future.
(“But Joe, what about corner?” Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht has done a solid job in the past at getting quality corners later in the draft.)
March 11th, 2025 at 7:09 am
With so many defensive needs, I can’t get on board with any receiver at 19 not named Jerry Rice.
March 11th, 2025 at 7:16 am
Edge or DB. WR i would be OK with, I would also be OK with Tyler Warren.
March 11th, 2025 at 7:18 am
Best available player might me Jihaad Campbell
March 11th, 2025 at 7:23 am
Best available player might be Jihaad Campbell
March 11th, 2025 at 7:25 am
Would not be surprised if Bucs drafted an LB at pick 19 and another later in the draft. This will Davids last year.
March 11th, 2025 at 7:34 am
First 4 picks…
1) Campbell (if he falls) or BAP
2) Edge or D tackle
3) CB or Edge (if no edge above)
4) BAP with a lean towards secondary, O line or WR
5-7 … Do your magic Licht.
March 11th, 2025 at 7:35 am
Morning Joe, I’ve heard that Mike Green has character issues. Just wondering if that’s true and if true what kind? I am pretty sure if he does have some character issues, Bowles and Licht want draft him
March 11th, 2025 at 7:39 am
Pass Rush Over Middle Linebacker – No Exceptions
Elite pass rushers win games—they disrupt quarterbacks, create turnovers, and force offenses off script. Middle linebackers? Replaceable.
With today’s passing-heavy NFL, you never pass on a dominant edge rusher for an inside linebacker.
If Donovan Ezeiruaku is on the board, you take him. Impact pass rushers are rare. Quality linebackers like Carson Schwesinger will be there in Rounds 2-3.
Bottom line: Pressure wins championships. If you can wreck the pocket, you control the game.
March 11th, 2025 at 7:39 am
So, is the fact Dean’s still on the team mean he’s neither getting cut nor traded?
March 11th, 2025 at 7:41 am
Campbell or trade back.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:01 am
Trenches. Defensive trenches. Campbell or a CB could be very tempting though.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:02 am
Beeej,
I think I learned a valuable lesson yesterday. Jamel Dean is not as overpaid in 2025 dollars as I thought he was.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:10 am
Mike Green has two sexusl assault accusations, one anonymous, one in high school.
They never went anywhere, but did happen during that “me too” period when just being male made you guilty.
Questions, but nothing at all concrete.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:23 am
Please no off-ball linebackers. Bucs can find them in rounds 3-7. Save your top picks for skill positions like WR, DB and Edge.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:27 am
Agreed with Campbell as the smart pick, however I am bonkers over the WR LB3 !
March 11th, 2025 at 8:32 am
@Jeff,
Jihaad is a blitzer who can also cover. Big difference.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:38 am
Safety Nick Emmanwori is the guy to draft at 19 if he is still available. If not, Campbell is fine. Entire Bucs draft class needs to focus on DEFENSE. Can’t have anymore of the nonsense we have had the last several years. There are at least 4 or 5 guys from last year’s defense that should not be back.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:38 am
LUVMYBUCS … ‘If Donovan Ezeiruaku is on the board, you take him. Impact pass rushers are rare. Quality linebackers like Carson Schwesinger will be there in Rounds 2-3.’
Hadn’t really paid much attention to Donovan Ezeiruaku, but he’s a big boy for an ILB (6’2″ & 247 lbs) although smallish for an OLB. He’s apparently played inside & outside for Boston College and had success at both. Not sure how that’d translate at the NFL however, but I’m sure our scouts can figure that out.
Still think though that IF Jihaad Campbell is there at #19, we have to pull the trigger. Middle of the field issues cost us dearly in 2024, and they have to be fixed if we’re gonna contend for this year’s Super Bowl.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:39 am
Sure would like to know why every single comment I make nowadays goes to the dungeon, and usually doesn’t come out until hours and hours later.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:45 am
Trade down. Twice.
No need to rush anything.
We can build legendary depth and a young team with this draft.
DT at #19. We need a third guy with Kancey and Vea.
Round 2: CB who can learn behind Dean and Zion.
Corners and defensive linemen need a year to develop.
It would be wise to draft guys who DONT need to start as rookies.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:48 am
Donovan Erizaku is going to be their pick at #19 from BC
March 11th, 2025 at 8:49 am
Nick Emmanwori is a generational talent at safety or OLB. This guy has perennial All Pro written all over him. Great combination of size, speed, and tackling ability.
March 11th, 2025 at 8:56 am
Dreaming, of course …
Trade up in front of the Dolphins (Pick 13) to grab Will Johnson, and that’s hoping Johnson slides past the Jets at #7.
With Dean now expendable, box him up with a slew of medical supplies for upcoming injuries and send him to Cincinnati with this year’s 2nd rounder and next year’s third rounder and grab Trey Hendrickson.
Highly unlikely I know, but since we’re all amateur general managers here at JoeBucs, why not?
March 11th, 2025 at 9:01 am
DR, I feel your pain. I’ve dumbed down my replies significantly because the posts that I put the most time in, get caught in some algorithmic web.
March 11th, 2025 at 9:01 am
LMAO Emmanwori has BUST written all over him
March 11th, 2025 at 9:07 am
4 1st round hits Evans Wirfs Kancey (so far) Barton (looks promising) 5 1st round losses JW JTS VH3 OJ Devin (got 2 good years) not to mention every 2nd round pick except Marpet Donovan (mediocre) AWJ, Brady n Bruce saved Lichts career
March 11th, 2025 at 9:08 am
Forgot Vea at the expense of trading the pick for Josh freaking Allen
March 11th, 2025 at 9:11 am
And building the best (barely) team in the worst division the last 4 years
March 11th, 2025 at 9:19 am
Bucky Godwin Goedeke (sorry forgot he was a 2nd round hit) n CDavis (above average but not elite) are his only stud hits, Tykee n JMc have potential stud status
March 11th, 2025 at 9:21 am
(DR) Defense Rules
Jihaad Campbell transitioned into a more traditional linebacker role during the 2024 season after being recruited as a defensive end, where he was primarily known for his edge-rushing abilities. However, his inexperience at the Mike linebacker position is evident, particularly in how he processes the game. He doesn’t fully trust what he sees, and that hesitation affects every aspect of his play.
Case In Point: Negative Impacts
* Delayed Run Fits: Campbell’s lack of confidence in his reads causes him to hesitate, preventing him from attacking the line of scrimmage decisively. This delay often results in poor run fits, allowing offensive linemen to reach him and creating gaps for big gains.
* Susceptibility to Misdirection: His uncertainty makes him prone to second-guessing, leaving him vulnerable to misdirection plays. When he hesitates on play-action fakes or bootlegs, he’s often a step behind, giving the offense the advantage.
* Breakdowns in Coverage: Instead of trusting his keys and reacting instinctively, Campbell can get caught in no-man’s-land—stuck between committing to the run and covering his assignment. This indecision leads to blown coverages, leaving passing lanes open or allowing quarterbacks to extend plays.
Until he develops the confidence to trust his instincts and play without hesitation, these issues will continue to compound, limiting his effectiveness as a true Mike linebacker.
March 11th, 2025 at 9:30 am
Campbell has to be the guy, if he’s available. I think a secret spot we might draft is DT. With VVs age and Canceys fragility, I could see us drafting a rotational tackle like Nolen from Ole Miss. The eagles just showed the world the value of a ln effective middle pass rush rotation
March 11th, 2025 at 9:30 am
(DR) Defensive Rules
When you get a chance, take a deeper look at the Carson Schwesinger vs. Jihaad Campbell tape. There’s a clear contrast in how they process the game, and it speaks volumes.
March 11th, 2025 at 9:32 am
Luvmybucs that sounds exactly like Devin White
March 11th, 2025 at 9:35 am
Both players are still developing at the position, with limited experience as full-time Mike linebackers. Carson Schwesinger primarily made his mark on special teams before stepping into a more prominent defensive role this season, while Jihaad Campbell transitioned from being an edge rusher to an off-ball linebacker. Their respective tapes provide insight into how each processes the game, reacts to offensive schemes, and adjusts to the demands of the position.
March 11th, 2025 at 9:35 am
Guzzie5
Indeed
March 11th, 2025 at 10:01 am
Emmanwori wont be a bust, lol dont know what you smoking….but miami will probably grab him before 19. We still need db help, even if we traded down some and got Jadae, Revel should be there in the 2nd. If Emmanwori is gone and DE James Pierce jr falls to us, that would be a smart pick. Hassan gave us a discount for 1 year…if he hits 10 sacks, that next contract might not be affordable.
March 11th, 2025 at 10:21 am
Is Carson Schwesinger great as a college player but his lack of speed get exposed in the NFL. If he really has a 4.7 forty, that is very concerning to me.
Comps:
Jihaad Campbell = Patrick Queen
Carson Schwesinger = Not sure.
March 11th, 2025 at 10:26 am
Haason Reddick (30)
6-1, 240lb
vs
Donovan Ezeiruaku (21)
6-2, 248 lbs
Depth at Outside Linebacker
Yaya Diaby | Chris Braswell
Haason Reddick | *Donovan Ezeiruaku
March 11th, 2025 at 10:26 am
Pray for a trade down partner.
March 11th, 2025 at 10:32 am
Jihaad Campbell (4.52) and Carson Schwesinger (4.70) both have respectable speed for linebackers, but their ability to process the game separates them far more than their 40-yard dash times.
For comparison, Devin White (4.37) had elite speed but often struggled with play recognition in his career, while Fred Warner (4.64) isn’t the fastest but plays a step ahead because of his instincts and discipline.
Speed is a tool, but trusting what you see determines how effective a linebacker truly is.
March 11th, 2025 at 10:33 am
Doubt Green will be there at 19 but if he is, we definitely shouldnt pass on him just because we have Reddick. Remember, hes only here for a year. a Dline of Reddick, Yaya, Green, Kancy, Vea – thats the type of Dline that can stun any team in the league come playoffs.
March 11th, 2025 at 10:38 am
Defense, defense and more defense
Since the scheme is so pathetic against the pass just fill that side of the ball with talent and out talent teams since your coach is confused by pass defense
March 11th, 2025 at 10:50 am
I agree with you LUVMYBUCS.
I think Campbell would be fine, but I am much more interested in drafting edge Ezeriraku if he’s still there.
Reddick on a 1 year deal, Braswell a ?, can’t have too many good pass rushers. That goes for Green as well, would take either.
If cap and money is a big worry, and teams get infatuated with the DL taking all the edge and DTs early before we pick… could also look at RT to replace Luke. Love Luke but the concussion and what he will be able to command…
Keep building through the trenches!
March 11th, 2025 at 11:08 am
Jalon Walker. ELITE Athlete. Son of a coach. Helluva HS Basketball Player. Runner-up in the HS “Lombardi Award” voting. WON it last season as a 20-year old, at UGA. Just TURNED 21. Can do it ALL. All over the field. All around the ball, at ALL times. Just makes PLAYS. And, ‘good things’ always seem to happen. Can rush the passer. Can drop in coverage. LEADER. 4.5 SPEED. 4.0 Student. Good size. Just VERY impressive all around. The direct opposite of DWhite. Smart. Well Spoken. I caught two of his interviews with PAWL, on the “Paul Finebaum Show,” & he just came across as being SO impressive. He is also, the ‘narrator’ of the brand new SEC commercial. THE perfect eventual replacement for LVD. You couldn’t ask for anything better than having HIM paying (and learning) alongside of Lavonte for the next year or two!!!! One very interesting little nugget I discovered a couple of nights ago, is that he and Jihaad Campbell were both born on the SAME DAY, & share a birthday together, February 24, 2004.
March 11th, 2025 at 11:10 am
LUVMYBUCS … ‘Both players are still developing at the position, with limited experience as full-time Mike linebackers.’
I think that’s the real bottom line, and thus the question becomes ‘Which one has the most potential?’ Being a Bama fan, I’ve watched Jihaad Campbell in a number of games, but admittedly haven’t ever seen Carson Schwesinger play. Thus hard to compare.
But I trust Walter Football’s general ratings, and they list Campbell as #1 ILB and Schwesinger as the #2 ILB. Not much difference between the two actually (except a little speed). Campbell (6’3″ & 235 lbs with a 4.52 sec 40 at the Combine) is bigger & faster than Schwesinger (6’2 1/2″ & 240 lbs at the Combine, with a 4.60 sec 40 before the Combine).
No question that Schwesinger had a fantastic Junior (2024) season, but he’s listed as a ‘1-year wonder’ (he was a reserve with very little playing time the previous 2 years). That always leads to the question … ‘Is he really ready for the NFL?’ Still, if Campbell’s gone or if we grab someone else at #19 and he’s there when in Rnd 2 when we pick, I’d love to have Schwesinger as the alteernative.
March 11th, 2025 at 11:13 am
IIRC Dennis’ injury was the same one he had his first yearr, but he opted not to have surgery and then reinjured it, so I’m not sold he’s injury prone.
March 11th, 2025 at 11:16 am
@Joes – Donovan Ezeiruaku has been talked about a lot by other Bucs media, but you don’t mention him at all. Are you seeing or hearing things about the Bucs not being interested?
He had .5 sacks less than Greene in a big boy conference. By all accounts, he had a good head on his shoulders. About the same size as Shaq.
March 11th, 2025 at 11:49 am
I trust in LUV lol.
I think we’re still in great position to take edge in R1 or R2. I’m fine with another pass rushing DT too at some point. Load the heck up on that front.
I’ve done mocks and it seems like Campbell is the only guy thought of as a R1 ILB talent. Most are rated like R3-R5.
R1 edge or CB, R2 CB or edge, R3 ILB would be a good marriage of value & need
March 11th, 2025 at 11:56 am
Hoping Campbell is there at 19.
March 11th, 2025 at 12:26 pm
Campbell can also rush from the edge, or any gap. If he’s still there you pounce. Doesn’t mean you can’t draft the Carson kid as high as the 3rd round. David ain’t gonna last forever, it’s him, and Dennis who you can’t count on, and that’s it. Fans who say don’t waste a pick on a do it all MLB haven’t been paying attention. Great LB play makes for great defenses. From Bukus to Lewis, Hardy, Singletary, Kuechly. The hole in the middle of our defense is more like an ocean. Pray Campbell is there at #19. Him, and Reddick lined up on the same side, what a real chess piece. This defense needs that man in the middle. When White had his head on straight we dominated. You can’t have a 35 year old LB chasing the Daniels, and Hurts QB around by himself. Go get Campbell.
March 11th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
I would take the best player available on defense at 19, then take that Schwesinger kid in the second round. Either that or move back and grab some extra pics for the middle rounds.
March 11th, 2025 at 12:55 pm
seems like whoever falls to 19 bucs will get an impact player
March 11th, 2025 at 1:05 pm
Totally convinced that there are people here who shouldn’t be allowed to comment.
Emmanwori is a super sized safety at 6’3″ 220lbs with 4.38 40 speed. Tape shows him to be a ballhawk and great hitter. Notwithstanding all this, some guy here claims “he will be a bust.” This guy can play strong safety or OLB. He will be a serious candidate for DRoY. If he is available at 19, you better believe Licht will take him.
March 11th, 2025 at 1:34 pm
LUVMYBUCS: I concur and love your reasons. Nothing disrupts a QB more than a pass rush. Ask the GOAT. Ask Mahomes. The only time Mahomes has lost a Super Bowl was directly attributable to the pass rush.
March 11th, 2025 at 1:59 pm
I like Campbell but can’t draft an ILB with pick 19. The hole in the middle of the Bucs’ 2024 defense was egregious but there is no need to over-react and blow the Bucs top pick to fill it. Everyone seems to forget that 30 year old Deion Jones and his 13 career INTs with 5 of those returned for touchdowns is under contract and Bowles spoke highly of him. Ezreiaku, Emmanwori, Egbuka are my top three in that order, ideally with a little trade back. I don’t think the Bucs will draft Green or Pearce if they are available due to character issues and neither would I. Green doesn’t have the length to be a productive force in the NFL and can’t keep his hands to himself. Pearce I could live with since he has all the physical tools but needs to beef up and mature. Egbuka and Jalon Walker both shine in interviews.
Walker will surely be gone but despite Godwin signing I’d still take Egbuka at 19. He really is a Godwin clone who additionally was a boss center fielder. I think Emmanwori would be a better pick to address 2024’s defensive woes than Campbell. He is Kam Chancellor with better speed and man coverage skills. He Winfield and Smith would make teams wary of working the middle. Ezreiaku is my favorite though. His technique is phenomenal and he talks it like he walks it in film breakdowns. Baldy will have special feelings for him like he does Clancy. He also has the arm length and wingspan of top OT prospects to go with his elite times in the agility drills. The Bucs can find an ILB in the third or fourth round to develop. I’m hoping David has another season or three left after 2025.
March 11th, 2025 at 2:44 pm
I’d rather the Bucs take one of the DTs. Walter Nolen would be perfect if he’s there. Then CB, then linebacker.
Britt was pretty slow too and look how that turned out!
March 11th, 2025 at 2:48 pm
If TE Tyler Warren is there at 19…PICK HIM! The next Gronk!
March 11th, 2025 at 2:58 pm
“Butkus Award.” I haven’t read any of the comments yet, since I’m out walking on the Courtney Campbell, but I was just dreaming of Jalon Walker (lol but seriously… pretty sad I know), & I just realized I said “Lombardi,”I think!? I must also had winning that on my mind, too!!!!
March 11th, 2025 at 3:15 pm
Plenty of LB talent, dont need to go Campbell at 19. Could go edge, LB and CB in that order in the draft
March 11th, 2025 at 3:36 pm
With JTS and Whitehead gone, Bucs are making great progress. Next to go should be Jamel Dean and Logan Hall. Like the Anthony Nelson resigning.
March 11th, 2025 at 4:36 pm
My guess is the Buc’s add a MLB then a CB.
March 11th, 2025 at 6:10 pm
I would like a DT later since the value at the position is so high due to there being a plethora of them available in this draft. J.J. Pegeus from Ole Miss is some of the most fun film I’ve ever watched. Ole Miss has half a dozen defensive players I wouldn’t mind the Bucs drafting but his vision and short area quickness jumped out at me when I was trying to focus on Trey Amos and he can do it all as a short yardage offensive weapon. I’d drop the Bucs’ third rounder on him to spell Vea, especially in Nickel where he can use his freakish athleticism to make quarterbacking difficult for the Mahomes, Jackson, Allen and Daniels type QB’s running wild on the league.
March 11th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
Since pass rusher was addressed and the Bucs kept their glue and roots FAs it isn’t just the first pick that is opened-up, it is the whole draft that is open to what Licht himself said “I am not blind” to which is the deficits on defense. Reddick and Godwin are signed but the Bucs might be looking for more from both of them come October given their respective damages so if the Bucs want to double down on those signings with a first round pick I approve. Ezreiaku isn’t the sure thing Egbuka is but I’d be pleased with either but my favorite first pick for these Bowles’ Bucs remains Nick Emmanwori if he is available. Bowles will tear his ACL slipping on his own spooge in his rush to draft this guy. Malaki Starks is another pick that can have an outsized impact with Winfield and Bowles if taken in the first round.
Second round must be CB not because of need but because the talent is falling out right there and Licht and Bowles draft mid-round DBs well. Darien Porter is my favorite realistic target in round two. 4.3 speed and 5 blocked punts would combine well with Emmanwori to fill the void of 2024’s D with a pair of fresh ballhawks.
Third round would be ILB Jeffrey Bassa and fourth round DT?RB J.J. Pegues then pick up the best center left in the fifth and have fun with what is beyond.
March 12th, 2025 at 3:31 am
I think Yaya will explode next year on his side.
Think Braswell will shock a lotta people. He was close to the ball or QB often last year on quite a few plays. He’s instinctive, has a knack, just have a good feeling about him after rewatching some of the tape. Seems like he was rapidly putting it all together, getting quicker and quicker
I think SirVocea stays healthy next year, hope we draft Campbell, and if so that could be our future duo hopefully later than sooner. Perhaps LVD drank from that fountain in St .Augustine tho.
Love Dennis as our ILB3
Think Reddick T’s off and busts out 12-14.
Vea’s gonna feast next year; Kancey’s going to terrorize.
O is Ready to be #1 in league .. Draft depth at WR tho and that giant swing T for Steve low.
Re-sign couple depth pieces from last year and a surprise FA along the way.
And all we need is to shore up CB, essentially replace Hayes and Dean with the best we can. The better we do the better our odds.
This Roster is going to win atleast 1 Super Bowl. Don’t let us become the next dynasty. And not to mention .. Bucky and White bout to go on an enhanced tear. A big Otton play whenever we want.
Watch Winfield go off again too
This team on verge of being impossible to stop
March 12th, 2025 at 10:51 am
Serious question here… maybe somebody can answer…
Why so focused on Campbell, when Jalon Walker is arguably better and the mocks (which admittedly can’t be trusted past the first couple of picks) have him falling to us, giving us our pick of the two?
Walker is the better of the two, IMO.