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Scouting Report: I had hoped when this season started to just take notes on Campbell, and be ready to hit him hard for he 2011 draft. But the rumor is, Campbell is seriously considering declaring as a Junior. First the good news. Campbell is as athletic a tackle as their is in the country and a pure left tackle prospect. He's a very strong run blocker, who's got an awesome punch, and can navigate much larger defender with his superior leverage. He gets to the second level and finishes with total disrespect for his opponents. His athletic ability also shines in pass protection. He can drop back, slide well, and can cut off a rusher inside and out quickly. Does a great job redirecting a pass rusher and has great awareness in assignments. Lots of great stuff right? Now the bad news. Campbell has a laundry list of injury concerns and those could cost him dearly in the draft. But his inability to stay healthy may push him to the draft, rather than temp another year of injuries without an NFL contract behind it.
Draft Status: If Campbell can get through the year, and check out medically, there's a real shot he ends up the 2nd tackle off the board and that means a top 15 pick. It'll be a tough call for Campbell, and it'll depend largely on his health. Any team that chooses to draft him will have to weigh out if the risk is worth the potential that Campbell has shown.
Final Analysis: In this draft, the no.2 tackle spot is wide open, and there's a lot of money that goes with it. Medical red flags are huge in the NFL, maybe moreso than character problems, because if you are a knucklehead you can still get out on Sunday and contribute, but if you are brittle you aren't any good to anyone. Campbell has a ton of potential and more upside than any tackle in the draft. But he's got a decision to make. Come back next year, and if you can stay well, probably lock up a top 5 pick or do you bolt now, and not risk getting hurt again in college, and drop further in the 2011 draft. If I'm campbell, I know I have NFL talent, so I do all I can to get healthy, have a great offseason and head to greener pastures.
Reminds me of:Chris Williams, OT Chicago Bears-Not necessarily in terms of skills, but when you consider the shadow on injuries that followed Williams to the league, and then the problems he had entering the league, you can see where he and Campbell are similar. Teams must know Campbell is healthy and can play, so they go through what Chicago went through with Williams.
Red Flags: Huge injury red flags
Scouting Report written by Curt Popejoy |
