Originally this article was going to be much more grim Buccaneers fans, discussing the disturbing prospects of trying to replace a franchise legend (and add another starter, because hey, the Bucs need 2 interior linebackers) through the draft, a daunting task that would not have been easy.
Instead, we get to talk about something much more fun; drafting a potential running mate/mentee for David both on the field and to learn from off of it, as well as give the Bucs a much-needed upgrade at a spot that cost them dearly, mostly in the passing game.
While none of these options are super late picks, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for the Bucs to spend early and late on this position, as KJ Britt hasn’t proven to be very good and SirVocea Dennis is still an unknown both in quality of play and ability to stay healthy.
So, here are the 3 options the Bucs could explore in this year’s draft to boost their linebacker room after bringing back the 2nd best linebacker in team history (because everyone’s going to be 2nd to Derrick Brooks).
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Only 21-years-old at the time of draft night, Campbell has not only the pedigree as one of the best linebackers in the country this past season, he also has the youth and athletic ability to possess plenty of upside.
He’s great against the run due to his remarkable size at the linebacker position (6’3 and a bit over 230 pounds) and great tackling ability, and has enough athletic ability to be fine in the pass game, even if that’s not necessarily his strength.
Unfortunately for the Bucs, Campbell might be gone by the time they pick at 19, as some mocks have him going to the Falcons or another linebacker-needy team.
If he’s there though, the Buccaneers could easily pick him up and no one would bat an eye, a surprising development for a position that has become a bit less popular to spend a first round pick on, but the Bucs’ dire need for both a current and future leader at the position warrants an exception to the rule.
Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
All of the things you can say about Campbell as a player can mostly apply to Knight, Jr.
He’s pretty big for a linebacker (6’2, almost 250), is a good tackler, and uses a nice ability to accelerate to be an adequate (if not amazing) cover linebacker.
He struggles a bit more in both areas than Campbell, but the biggest negative in my mind (other than not being as good as Campbell) for Knight, Jr. is the fact that he’ll be turning 25 in July.
That’s not old in the real world, but for a rookie that’s a tough age to be, even though he’s got a very good track record as a 6th-year senior with the Gamecocks.
He is a former dual-threat QB, speaking to some instincts that could really develop, especially at the next level under David and the other Bucs’ defensive coaches, but the best part of Knight is that he could easily slip to the 3rd round, meaning the Bucs can address other more pressing needs on their defense (or offense if you want to get a little weird) with earlier picks.
Barrett Carter, Clemson
My favorite linebacker in this draft, Carter is probably a better coverage linebacker than Knight, Jr. and Campbell, but struggles mightily in the run due to a lack of strength and seeming lack of instinct.
Enter David, one of the best run defenders in football, an NFL strength and conditioning program, and the sobering reality of not getting picked until the 4th round at the earliest.
Not that Carter lacks motivation or that Clemson doesn’t have the training facilities to support their players; it’s just still something he needs to work on if he wants to become a more complete linebacker.
Carter will also only be 23 by the time he’s drafted, and due to his even later draft positioning (4th round seems to be the sweet spot), the Buccaneers could score on a potential starter while using their 1st 3 picks on other areas of need.
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