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It's been obvious all offseason that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in need of an off-ball linebacker this year.
LaVonte David seems to be on his last legs, and the Buccaneers' defense has struggled mightily over the last few years against the pass. It's an issue that is not easily remedied in the modern game right now.
There was a solution, though. And it fell into the team's laps during the first round of the 2025 draft a few weeks ago.
Tampa Bay just balked at the opportunity.
Alabama star linebacker Jihaad Campbell was considered a top linebacker prospect this year, and easily a top 10 talent according to many scouts around the league. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN even reported that Campbell was certainly considered for the team's first-round pick.
But there was a big reason why the Buccaneers moved on from him.
"The Bucs indeed did love Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, but like other teams, the overall medical profile was a bit of a concern," Fowler said. "Several teams saw him as a top-10 talent but had concerns about his durability after multiple injuries in college."
Campbell's injury history is well documented and a major concern moving forward. He is recovering from a shoulder procedure and reportedly has knee issues as well. That's why he fell all the way to 31st overall and to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In the meantime, the Buccaneers will hope that their linebacker needs won't come back to bite them early in the process. Perhaps they may even be able to get the last ounce of good football in the coming months ahead from players like David instead.
Continue reading...
LaVonte David seems to be on his last legs, and the Buccaneers' defense has struggled mightily over the last few years against the pass. It's an issue that is not easily remedied in the modern game right now.
There was a solution, though. And it fell into the team's laps during the first round of the 2025 draft a few weeks ago.
Tampa Bay just balked at the opportunity.
Alabama star linebacker Jihaad Campbell was considered a top linebacker prospect this year, and easily a top 10 talent according to many scouts around the league. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN even reported that Campbell was certainly considered for the team's first-round pick.
But there was a big reason why the Buccaneers moved on from him.
"The Bucs indeed did love Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, but like other teams, the overall medical profile was a bit of a concern," Fowler said. "Several teams saw him as a top-10 talent but had concerns about his durability after multiple injuries in college."
Campbell's injury history is well documented and a major concern moving forward. He is recovering from a shoulder procedure and reportedly has knee issues as well. That's why he fell all the way to 31st overall and to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In the meantime, the Buccaneers will hope that their linebacker needs won't come back to bite them early in the process. Perhaps they may even be able to get the last ounce of good football in the coming months ahead from players like David instead.
Related: Buccaneers Linked To Signing Playmaking DB By NFL.com
Related: Buccaneers Super Bowl MVP Defends 2025 Draft Class
Related: Buccaneers Super Bowl MVP Defends 2025 Draft Class
Continue reading...
