Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Major Buccaneers potential NFL draft target undergoes surgery

Originally posted on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI
By River Wells | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 1:34 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have quite a few needs to address this draft, but perhaps two of the biggest ones are linebacker and cornerback — two positions the Bucs still need after free agency. One linebacker prospect has been commonly mocked to the Bucs to fix this, but some recent news might give them pause.

Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell has been seen by many to be a solution to Tampa Bay's many defensive problems — per Mock Draft Database, Campbell is the most commonly-mocked player to the Buccaneers this mock draft season. Last year at Alabama, Campbell racked up 55 solo tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. He would be a strong addition to the room with his athleticism, but he's also facing injury, per ESPN's Jordan Reid.

Reid reported Wednesday that Campbell had surgery for a torn labrum after the NFL Combine.

#Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell confirmed to us on @SECNetwork that he had surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder following the NFL Scouting Combine.

My No. 14 overall ranked player.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 19, 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis also had surgery on his shoulder after aggravating a previous injury in 2024, and he's set to return in 2025. Campbell could play with him, if the Buccaneers draft him, but an injury may make teams give him some second thought.

That being said, teams likely already knew about this at the NFL Combine, and Campbell has been shooting up boards regardless. So if the Buccaneers do want him, they may still have to trade up in the first round regardless.