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Arizona Cardinals Rookie Calais Campbell: Six Week Checkup

Since we've already looked Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's season to date, the next guy in line is the Arizona Cardinals second round pick, Calais Cambell. Campbell_mediumCampbell was a value pick because many had a first round grade on him coming out of Miami. He's got very little pressure on him to push for playing time, much less a starting spot this season since Dockett and Antonio Smith are locks at defensive end. Campbell has seen playing time in the defensive line rotation and is playing on every special teams unit.

Campbell was an absolute physical specimen coming out of Miami and it's a rare sight to see a guy of his size (6'8 282) who is as athletic and fluid as this guy. We saw Campbell's play making ability several times during the preseason when he got considerable playing time. One thing that has really stood out through six games is Campbell's ability to move in space. He's very capable of covering kicks, punts and chasing ball carriers down the field. We haven't seen him in the regular defense a great deal yet, but that's mostly due to the outstanding play of Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith. The original idea was for Campbell to be a part of the rotation at defensive end and move inside to tackle on passing downs, but the emergence of Travis LaBoy as an outstanding pass rusher has limited Campbell's time on passing downs. Most of the time when the Cardinals switch into a dime defense, the front three are LaBoy, Dockett and Smith. Campbell did lead the defensive line in tackles for the Miami game though and caused a fumble against the Cowboys.

Overall it's hard not to be impressed with Campbell through six games and overall the only disappointment is that he hasn't gotten more chances. That's a two-way street though considering that he's not getting those chances because the veterans ahead of him are playing very well. When he is on the field though he's holding his own at defensive end, which was a concern at draft time, especially against the run. I was hoping to see a bit more passing rushing prowess by now but that will come. Thoughts? Is Campbell impact what you expected so far?

Poll
Has Campbell lived up to your expectations?
He's exceeded, his athleticism is there and big games will come
16 votes
About what I expected, he'll be a solid player when given the chance
13 votes
No, name one play that he's made this season
1 votes

30 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 10 comments |

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Exceeded

I love Antonio Smith and hope we are able to resign him next year, but Campbell has made me less worried about it. When he does spend time on the field, he makes it count. Solid pick from round 2, and I hope it only gets better from here.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Oct 16, 2008 3:40 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

completely agree

Smith has gotten better every year and I’d love to keep him but I don’t see it happening. They drafted two DE’s this past year for a reason and CC should be ready to be a starter next year. Right now, it’s a nice problem to have though.

by cgolden on Oct 17, 2008 6:12 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

iwebema

I know you haven’t gotten to him, but Iwebema is my guy. He’s built like Bert and will spell Smith if we can’t reasonably resign him. Dude is a monster after the snap.

by hevchv on Oct 16, 2008 4:23 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Iwebema

His checkup is coming today.

by cgolden on Oct 17, 2008 6:12 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Photoshop?

That’s gotta be the only picture I’ve ever seen of Campbell where he appears shorter than everyone around him.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Oct 17, 2008 7:38 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

naw no photoshop

I didn’t notice it until you brought it up but it is surprising. He’s got his legs bent though and LaBoy (6’3) is nearly on his tip toes. Branch is 6’5 and he looks like he’s standing up pretty straight. It is deceiving though when you look at it.

by cgolden on Oct 17, 2008 8:34 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sarcasm Alert

Wasn’t it Calais that dropped the punt last week & was recovered by Dallas?

by AJ BirdWatcher on Oct 17, 2008 11:32 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

While we are at it

Lets start Leinart and line Warner up in the receiver slot (gloves on). Whiz does do some crazy stuff.

by badmatty53 on Oct 17, 2008 12:11 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

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