The NFL Draft has become an annual showcase for University of Alabama football, with the Crimson Tide producing at least one first-round pick every year since 2009 — an impressive streak that now stands at a record-setting 16 years. The talent has been plentiful on both sides of the field. From game-changing defenders to elite offensive weapons, Alabama’s pipeline to the pros has become the gold standard.
With prospects like linebacker Jihaad Campbell and guard Tyler Booker drawing first-round buzz again in 2025, the Crimson Tide’s first-round streak seems safe this year. However, not every Alabama standout enters the league at full strength — and one NFL insider is now hinting that a top prospect could be facing an early setback before his rookie season even kicks off.
Report: Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell May Start NFL Season on PUP List After Shoulder Surgery
The 2025 NFL Draft is just a few days away, and prospect injuries are a hot topic. SI NFL analyst Albert Breer recently weighed in on some high-profile prospects who are battling the injury bug to begin their NFL journeys.
“Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell had shoulder surgery after the combine, and teams are projecting him as a candidate to start the season on PUP,” Breer wrote. “Campbell is a bit beat up in the same sort of way that some Crimson Tide players who went through Nick Saban’s program have been in the past.”
According to the latest PFSN mock draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to draft Campbell with the No. 19 pick. If Campbell were to slide to this spot, it would mark one of the later first-round selections for an Alabama prospect in recent years. The Buccaneers are an interesting potential landing spot for Campbell after losing starter K.J. Britt in free agency and re-signing aging veteran Lavonte David, 35, to a one-year deal.
David, a 13-year pro, has more than 1,100 career tackles, 31 forced fumbles and 39 sacks. He’s been an ironman in the middle for Tampa Bay, but Father Time remains undefeated. Is this the year the Buccaneers draft his eventual replacement?
Injuries are part of the game, especially for players coming out of physically demanding programs like Alabama’s. Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams had similar injury concerns coming out of Alabama in 2022. Still, it didn’t stop the Lions from making a trade to jump 20 spots in the first round to select the talent.
Campbell’s post-combine surgery may delay the start of his rookie season, but his long-term potential may sway NFL general managers to take a calculated risk.