Is Calais Campbell a Justin Tuck 'Starter Kit?'

by cgolden on Jun 3, 2008 6:24 AM MDT

In a league where the teams looking up try to copy the success of the teams looking down, I'm sure countless GM's and coaches went into the draft looking for their version of the Giants DE/DT Justin Tuck. After watching him and the rest of the defensive line wreak havoc on Tom Brady in the Super Bowl, who wouldn't want to find their own version of Mr Tuck. The problem of course is that 6'5 274 pound physical freaks don't grow on trees and they aren't all going to be surrounded by the likes of Micheal Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. There aren't too many players in this league who can manage 65 tackles and 10 sacks despite starting only two games. But, just for comparison sake let's consider that the Arizona Cardinals' second round pick, Calais Campbell, can fit the 'Justin Tuck mold' and see if it's possible that he can experience that kind of success.

First lets look at the measureables of these two players (stats via Draft Scout):

	Tuck	Campbell
Height	6'5	6'7
Weight	265	290
40 Time	4.71	4.89
Bench Press	24	16
Vertical Jump	37 1/2	34 1/2
Broad Jump	9' 10"	9' 3"
20 Yd Shuttle	4.29	4.63
3 Cone Drill	7.33	7.19

Obviously it certainly looks like Tuck is the more athletic of the two and seemingly be by a considerable margin. So why do you get over 4,000 results when you google "Calais Campbell & Justin Tuck?" Well because the Cardinals have already stated that they'll use Campbell much like the Giants have used Tuck. He'll start as a backup defensive end but could move inside to tackle on passing downs. They also had similar college careers that included standout sophomore seasons but disappointing (at least by their standards) junior seasons. Their junior seasons caused both players to fall in the draft, Tuck from a mid-to-late first rounder to the top of the third and Campbell to the middle of the second. There is some possibility that a three man line of Darnell Dockett, Antonio Smith and Calais Campbell could put some considerable pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Dockett and Smith combined for 14.5 sacks in 2007 but both got off to quick starts (9.5 sacks combined in the first 6 games) before injuries decimated the entire defense.

So does anyone else see it? Can Campbell be the dynamic force that Tuck was in 2007?

Tweet Comment 4 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I’m really excited to see this guy in action. I know he needs some polishing and refinement, but from watching film it’s hard to deny that this guy could definitely be a monster on the field. The organization seems to be committed to developing a solid defense this offseason, which is absolutely where their priorities need to be at this time.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Jun 3, 2008 6:43 AM MDT reply actions

Agreed

He’s not a finished product but he’s certainly intriguing. I can’t wait to see this kid on the field. The defense as a whole looks to be stocked with not only better talent but also much more depth (something they severely lacked in 2007).

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Jun 3, 2008 7:39 AM MDT up reply actions

Depth

Hopefully Berry and Okeafor have injury free years – unlikely I know.
It will be interesting to see how the defense depth chart works out in training camp.
Campbell has all the tools to get to the QB but it will be interesting to see how much he gets on the field.

by CardsIrish on Jun 4, 2008 5:45 AM MDT reply actions

good point

Those outside backers will go a long way to determining how much pressure the QB is under. If Berry and Okeafor can stay healthy for most of the season, this defense could go from above average to very good.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Jun 4, 2008 5:56 AM MDT up reply actions