The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not have a great year defensively in 2024. After a long track record of success under Todd Bowles, this was probably the worst unit the defensive minded head coach has put out on the field. This is a trend that cannot continue into 2025.
To prevent that from happening, it’s time to infuse this defense with some fresh talent. A big signing or two in free agency and investing some premium draft capital would go a long way to upgrade this side of the ball. Bowles could use reinforcements at all three levels of his defense.
Specifically, the Bucs need help in the middle of their defense. All time great linebacker Lavonte David is still playing well in his twilight years. However, his future with the team is in question as he weighs playing another year vs retirement.
Even if David is back, there are nothing but question marks at the other linebacker spot. SirVocea Dennis has looked good, but has missed significant time in each of his first two seasons. KJ Britt and JJ Russell have been inconsistent at best and too often they just haven’t cut it.
Targeting an impact player at linebacker is a high priority this offseason. One path could be through free agency where there is actually a very good group of linebackers to be had. Big names like Dre Greenlaw and Nick Bolton as well as several other very good options who fit the Bucs well.
The other option is drafting one early on. If the Buccaneers choose the later path then there are really two names to consider. One of those is Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker.
At this point in his career, Walker is really more of an edge rusher. He is raw in coverage and perhaps too clunky to thrive in traditional off ball responsibilities. If the Buccaneers are looking for someone to play next to or replace Lavonte David then Walker really doesn’t make sense as a fit.
This only leaves one of the top prospects as a fit for the Bucs in the first round. Many analysts have seen this fit as well and have made him a popular house in mock drafts. This is Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
In terms of fit, he makes perfect sense. Despite a bigger build, Campbell’s greatest strength is in coverage. He’s very fluid and understands how to get into passing windows.
Campbell also brings good range against the run. He is consistently around the ball and is only going to become more aware with more experience. As a fit, he makes perfect sense.
However, there are red flags that I have with Campbell that turn me away as an evaluator. And while the Bucs front office may or may not share these concerns, they are very real and obvious in his game. So much so that I would absolutely not consider him with the 19th overall pick.
They say that in football you are either the hammer or the nail. Despite being 6’3 and 245, Campbell is too often the nail in that relationship. He plays with a very high pad level and often catches ball carriers as opposed to laying the hit on them.
And while Campbell is a good athlete relative to his size, I’m not convinced he’s a great athlete. His sideline to sideline speed looks good, not great, and I’m not sure how explosive he’ll be. Keep in mind, the Buccaneers put a lot of stock in athletic testing and combine results.
I also have some questions about the mental side of the game as well. While we have become so used to watching linebackers process things quickly and make splash plays, I’m not sure Campbell reads what’s in front of him as fast as linebackers who we’ve seen in previous years. If he does, then he seems to play with some hesitation which I would have concerns with as well.
When it comes right down to it, I don’t think Campbell’s talent warrants the 19th overall pick. Regardless of the fit and even if he clears athletic thresholds, there are better players who will be available. Better players at bigger positions of need.
Time will tell if Campbell is in play for the Bucs or not. A bad combine showing and it would take him out of contention regardless. But even if Campbell has a strong workout, there will be better options available for the Buccaneers.
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