Making the Case for Ibraheim Campbell

While the Packers have added two new starters to their defense in Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos, there isn't a ton of depth behind the duo. Might the Packers consider bringing in Ibraheim Campbell on a cheap contract?

The Packers have set themselves up for success in the secondary in 2019. 

In 2017, the Packers took cornerback Kevin King and safety Josh Jones with their first two picks. In 2018, Green Bay added cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson. Then, in 2019, the Packers acquired safety Adrian Amos through free agency before drafting safety Darnell Savage with their second first-round pick. 

That’s a lot of young talent manning the back end of the defense, led by veteran cornerback Tramon Williams and bolstered by undrafted standouts Tony Brown and Raven Greene. 

While the defensive backs jump out on paper as one of the most improved units on the team, it never hurts to have some cost-effective insurance on the roster in case of emergency. Last year, Bashaud Breeland was one of those insurance policies that paid off for Green Bay with two interceptions (one for a touchdown) and four pass breakups. 

This year, the Packers could look to do something similar by bringing back Ibraheim Campbell on a one-year deal. The 5-11, 210lb safety didn’t have the impact he was expected to in his first season with the team, as he only played in three games before injuries took over. 

The Packers acquired Campbell off waivers from the New York Jets in November and placed him on injured reserve less than one full month later in December. With the Packers, he made one start, forced one fumble, and posted a combined 18 tackles. 

Why, then, would the Packers want to bring Campbell back? Well, he’s familiar with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine already since he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2015 (the same year the Packers selected current Browns safety Damarious Randall in the first round) and played there until midway through 2017. 

While Campbell profiles as a strong safety, he’s capable of playing just about anywhere in the secondary, including the slot. He’s a reliable tackler, despite not posting a single interception yet in his NFL career, and would provide the Packers with insurance in case Josh Jones isn’t with Green Bay to start the season. 

Campbell has dealt with a number of injuries throughout the start of his career, so he’s never truly been able to showcase his potential. Giving him a rotational position in a Pettine defense would go a long way in terms of adding depth to the safety room. While Amos, Savage, and Greene would all start the year ahead of Campbell on the depth chart (and Jones if he’s there), Campbell would provide positional insurance while also taking special teams snaps. 

Additionally, if Campbell did find himself back in Green Bay, he’d also have familiarity with new special teams coordinator Shawn Mennenga, who was with Cleveland from 2011-2017 as a special teams assistant coach. 

While there are a few players in the defensive backs room who could possibly play cornerback or safety (Natrell Jamerson being one of those names), only Tray Matthews and Mike Tyson are currently listed as safeties behind Amos, Savage, Greene, and Jones on the roster. Campbell’s experience, however limited, would be beneficial in a young safety room. 

The talent in the secondary is undeniable heading into the 2019 season, but a lot is riding on the young standouts staying healthy. While Campbell does have an injury history to worry about, he might be worth the risk of a low stakes, one-year contract. If nothing else, he’d be one extra body to challenge the young safeties in training camp and throughout the preseason. 

 

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Maggie Loney is a writer for Cheesehead TV and podcaster for the Pack-A-Day Podcast and Pack's What She Said. Find her on Twitter at @MaggieJLoney.

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Comments (26)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Coldworld's picture

July 02, 2019 at 12:51 pm

If he is fit, I think he flashed enough last year playing in the box that he could improve our depth. Personally, I’d prefer a little more depth as third or box safety.

My only reservations would be if there is a question as to how close to full fitness he will be and also whether the team is higher on Jamerson or Redmond whom they have been playing in that role this off season.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

July 03, 2019 at 01:51 am

Campbell tore his ACL in the Nov. 15 game. ACL isn't as bad as it used to be but returning by the start of TC would mean just over an 8 month recovery period, and just over 9 months for the start of the season. I suppose it depends on the exact nature of the injury.

We've got Savage, Amos and Tramon who can play FS. Greene is listed at just 197 pounds, which is light for a SS. I view Jamerson (201 Lbs.) as more of a FS or CB as well, and Redmond is tiny. GB is very thin at SS. I expect Gute will find someone for SS depth. I suppose GB will consider Campbell even as a mid-season possibility since he already knows Pettine's system.

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Hawg Hanner's picture

July 03, 2019 at 05:58 pm

You guys have it nailed but wouldn't you think Jones is gone? Does this guy have some smash?. We sure need a willing tackler at SS

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Coldworld's picture

July 04, 2019 at 06:26 am

He did show himself to be a willing and effective tackler and flashed beyond that. He does have injury questions. He has had a number and he is coming off one that often takes a while to move from technically fit to play to the point where a player is close to full potential.

I guess i’d sum up my feeling when he went on IR last year as someone that I would like to see more of. If fully back physically he would immediately provide better depth (than we had last year) and perhaps some upside beyond that, if he can stay healthy.

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CJ Bauckham's picture

July 02, 2019 at 12:58 pm

I'm pro Campbell. Especially if Josh Jones is sent packing. He's big enough to play the dime lb spot and showed well last year (imo) before his injury.

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Lare's picture

July 02, 2019 at 01:04 pm

Campbell reportedly tore his ACL last season, I haven't heard if he had surgery or not or how he's progressing. If he's Ok he's definitely worth taking a one year contract on.

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DragonSilk's picture

July 02, 2019 at 03:45 pm

Can't read article. Pop up civers ut akk

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DragonSilk's picture

July 02, 2019 at 03:46 pm

Pop up's keep coming. and covering up entire page.

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NickPerry's picture

July 03, 2019 at 05:17 am

Try Adblock!!!

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NickPerry's picture

July 03, 2019 at 05:18 am

.

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Packer_Fan's picture

July 02, 2019 at 04:06 pm

If Campbell can beat out Jones, fine with me. Once he is cleared to play, give him a chance. I just don't see Jones making the team

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jww061356's picture

July 02, 2019 at 04:14 pm

I'm lukewarm about this guy, and admittedly I don't know that much about him. But when I hear he is brought in as insurance against injury, and in the next breath I am being told he has a problem staying on the field, I don't see the benefit.

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CJ Bauckham's picture

July 02, 2019 at 04:26 pm

Fair

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Sol's picture

July 02, 2019 at 06:54 pm

I'm having the same trouble with pop ups any solutions Packer Fans

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flackcatcher's picture

July 02, 2019 at 08:43 pm

Depends, if your using a PC or Mac there are a number of good ad blockers and privacy mangers out there depending on what browser your using. Just remember CHTV is ad supported so be careful not to block everything. If your using a notebook or chromebook same apply. Smart phone and tablets are a bit tougher, it is mostly a screen space and memory issue. Depending on what browser your using, the ad blocking features on all are pretty powerful and should keep out the real junk out there. As CHTY is a long form site, using a PC/Mac is better for the format alone. Easier on the eyes. But you guys got options out there, so see what works best for you.

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NickPerry's picture

July 03, 2019 at 05:20 am

I use a FREE tool from the Microsoft store called Adblock. I've used it for years and it should solve your problems..

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IceBowl's picture

July 02, 2019 at 09:18 pm

I really like anyone trying their best. With opportunity, their skills can really show.

If J Jones really wants to throw away his career, Guty has provided options.

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murf7777's picture

July 02, 2019 at 09:29 pm

Good analysis, I knew we were bad but didn’t know these numbers....Vince is turning in his grave.

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murf7777's picture

July 02, 2019 at 09:34 pm

Oops this was for the tackling article,somehow it transposed to this one!

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RCPackerFan's picture

July 03, 2019 at 08:13 am

I would like to see Campbell come back once he is healthy. I thought he played well when he was here. If he is our 3rd/4th Safety I am very comfortable with that.

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Bearmeat's picture

July 03, 2019 at 09:01 am

They're light at SS even with Jones. Maggie's right: it would be smart to pick someone who is dependable up. But Campbell won't be healthy until mid-year... who else is out there? Burnett? Surely he won't get anymore good money?

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jannes bjornson's picture

July 03, 2019 at 03:14 pm

None of the above.

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carlos's picture

July 04, 2019 at 07:43 am

What about Tre Boston? Is he still unsigned?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

July 05, 2019 at 01:32 pm

Boston is still unsigned, but he is a FS only. He can't begin to play SS.

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Freezn's picture

July 04, 2019 at 11:39 am

I believe Mike Pettine finally has talent in the secondary with the hungry DL and linebackers I don't believe the secondary will have to cover too long Rashan and the Smith Bros will have apposing QBs running for their lives this year. God help the slower QBs against Pettines defense

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sonomaca's picture

July 07, 2019 at 08:39 am

Need LB’s and SS’s who can cover and stop the run. Offenses in the NFC North are now built on getting the ball out quickly.

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