Jihaad Campbell’s Surgery Could Benefit Bucs
Bad news for Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell; good news for the Bucs.
With the way people were hyping up Campbell—an absolute beast—Joe was starting to worry that a team picking before No. 19 might grab him or trade back to let someone else do it.
Now, per Jordan Reid of BSPN, Campbell underwent shoulder surgery for a torn labrum just days after the combine. That suggests that the rigorous medical tests at the event revealed the injury.
Alternatively, Campbell may have hurt his shoulder during the combine itself. It’s unclear exactly when the injury happened. He left Alabama’s Jan. 1 matchup against Michigan in the Outback Bowl with what was described as an “upper-body injury.” Whether that was the moment Campbell sustained the tear remains unknown.
According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, recovery from a torn labrum can take up to eight months post-surgery. That would sideline Campbell until at least October.
Why does Joe see a silver lining in this misfortune? If Campbell isn’t available for Week 1, his surgery and potential absence at the start of the season could scare off enough teams for him to slide into Bucs AC/DC-loving GM Jason Licht’s lap.
8 Responses to “Jihaad Campbell’s Surgery Could Benefit Bucs”
Leopold Stotch Says:
March 20th, 2025 at 4:20 am
That’s a major risk for a first-round pick. Love the guy—he seems like a perfect fit—but I don’t know, Joe. Like you’ve said before, first-rounders (and really, first three-rounders) should be starting or at least competing for starting jobs. He won’t have meaningful reps in OTAs or training camp and might not be available until October. Sounds like a four-letter word to me—hope.
Anonymous Says:
March 20th, 2025 at 4:37 am
The Bucs need immediate help. Drafting a player who might miss a big chunk of the season is a huge gamble.
Defense Rules Says:
March 20th, 2025 at 4:46 am
When I heard about Campbell’s surgery, my first thought was pass. The last thing we need is to spend a first-rounder on a guy who won’t help us compete for a Super Bowl this season. No damaged goods—we need players who can start and dominate from Day 1.
If he’s not playing until October, he’ll miss all of training camp, and when he finally does return, he’ll likely just be a rotational piece. If we don’t have a solid starting MLB by then, we’re probably not contending anyway.
The Bucs have bigger needs for their first-round pick—maybe a starting-caliber CB, or better yet, a dominant DT/NT to pair with Vea. Even an elite Edge rusher would make more sense. A rookie linebacker who won’t contribute until midseason? Maybe in Round 3, but not before that.
Kenton Smith Says:
March 20th, 2025 at 4:53 am
Tough break for this kid. Sounds like he tore it in the Outback Bowl—that’s why so many players skip bowl games these days. A linebacker with a shoulder injury? That’s a red flag for us right now. Hope he recovers and has a great career, but we need to look at Plan B. Gipper has me eyeing South Carolina’s Emmanwori—a force in the middle and an incredible athlete. Licht has a tough decision ahead.
garro Says:
March 20th, 2025 at 4:55 am
I had a torn labrum and lived with it for two years before getting surgery. Eight months for a top-tier athlete to get back to 100% sounds about right. Took me three months just to feel comfortable going back to work, and I was still doing daily therapy.
Could a younger, elite athlete return sooner? Possibly. But I don’t have a medical degree. He could be available for camp, and OTAs aren’t that physical—it’s mostly learning and drills for rookies.
The draft is unpredictable. Who knows? We might end up taking a kicker. LOL.
If Campbell is there, Licht has a decision to make. The kid can play!
Go Bucs!
Kenton Smith Says:
March 20th, 2025 at 5:02 am
Hard to argue with DR’s logic—either the best available DT or CB.
Defense Rules Says:
March 20th, 2025 at 5:12 am
Kenton, you mentioned Emmanwori—interesting. CBS Sports just released a three-round mock, and for the Bucs:
Round 1: Nick Emmanwori, Safety (6’3″, 220 lbs)
Round 2: Carson Schwesinger, ILB (6’2″, 225 lbs)
Round 3: Kyle Kennard, Edge (6’5″, 254 lbs)
That’s an intriguing mix. Safety in the first round is unexpected, but Emmanwori is a legit talent. If we’re going ILB in Round 2, I’d rather target a monster DT/NT in Round 3—worst case, Round 4.
One name to watch: Deone Walker (NT, 6’6″, 348 lbs). His 2024 season was average, but in 2023 he was a force for Kentucky—7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, two passes defended, and eight QB hurries. We need to figure out if 2023 was the real Deone Walker.
Brian in St. Pete Says:
March 20th, 2025 at 5:14 am
There’s better ILB value later in the draft. Round 1 should be used on a premium position like Edge or CB.
