NFL Scouting Combine Update: Maryland's Bruce Campbell Shines
by Andrew602 on Mar 1, 2010 2:06 PM MST
in NFL Offseason/Free Agency
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PrintWe're halfway through day four of the NFL combine with most of the position groups already completing their drills. The defense will be finished by tomorrow and that's including the linebackers.
On Saturday, day one started with the offensive lineman and tight ends. With the impending doom of current tackle Mike Gandy, the Cardinals scouts and staff had certainly had their eyes on draft prospects that could fill the inevitable void.
Gandy is set to become a free agent and the Cardinals reportedly won't look to re-sign him, meaning they can fill his shoes with their own players(Brandon Keith, Herman Johnson, Jeremy Bridges) or they can find a replacement in the draft. It all starts with the combine and Maryland's Bruce Campbell was one of the top performers.
Campbell has been projected to land somewhere towards the end of round one and many mock drafts already have him heading to the Cardinals. You'd have to wonder however, that after his combine results he's boosted his draft positioning.
Campbell's experience at Maryland was short-lived due to a year and a half of starts, but he was the only consistent player on the offensive line and was the primary reason running back Da'Rel Scott eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time since 2002. Campbell has the ideal size and frame to be an NFL tackle and proved to be a workout machine at the combine. He has great footwork and recovery speed and excels with pass-blocking. His durability could be a concern and he doesn't have the experience that you'd expect for a potential first round draft pick.
| Drill | 40-Yard | Bench Press | Vertical Jump | Broad Jump | 3-Cone | 20-Yard |
| Result | 4.85 | 34 | 32.0 | 8'05 | 7.58 | 4.69 |
On Saturday though, Campbell proved to scouts that he wasn't just a one trick pony when he was one of the top performers at several drills. He led all lineman with an amazing 40-yard dash time of 4.85. He also completed 34 bench reps and recorded a vertical jump of 32 inches. He's built like a machine, showing little to no body fat and has potential through the roof. It's only a matter of time to determine whether or not Campbell will enjoy success in the NFL.
With his successfull combine appearance, Campbell may have propelled himself to a mid-round pick and away from the Cardinals' grasp. If Campbell is available at 26, should the Cardinals draft him?
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In my oppinion, he didn't impress me that much.
Sure those numbers are good for an offensive lineman, but what it will ultimately come down to is his foot work. While his footwork was pretty good, I don’t think it was good enough to say he is a top 20 pick. Right now I think he is still a late first to early second.
While tackle is a need for the Cards, they have bigger needs than that right now (DT, ILB, OLB, DB).
Good points
Ill drop more updates once the combine is over.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
+1
Phenomenal workout numbers, but it doesn’t change the fact that his blocking is inconsistent. A lot to like, but still some concerns with him.
dan williams the NT from tennesse is a beast
The Devil Birds just got cha
by DaCards on Mar 1, 2010 2:56 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Is that the guy that tied the combine record for reps on the bench press?
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
by sc464 on Mar 1, 2010 3:19 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Dan Williams
I think if he is there at 26 that would be a great pick because we don’t have a really good NT and there are only about 3 DT that project to be 3-4 NT. Everyone around the league is looking up there NT because that is one of the most important positions in a 3-4 defense and could you imagine Cambell, Dockett, and Williams on the same line. That would help are OLB and make them look better. Bruce Cambell is a workout warrior that will need a lot of work in the NFL and never reach that potential.
That
would be ideal. Any viable 3-4 defense starts with the NT, and like you said, a line with Williams, Dockett, and Campbell makes everyone else’s job easier.
Having said that, I’ll be surprised if Williams gets past Miami at #12. There’s a reason Parcells took Jason Ferguson with him seemingly everywhere he went.
Over the last two years I think this coaching staff has shown a propensity
to go for the best available at the time as apposed to drafting needs. just my opinion
Defense first.
In my opinion the needs on defense are more glaring than the O-Line. And there look to be a couple great choices available at 26.
I doubt he'll be there....
but I don’t think we should take him anyway. Everytime I hear someone talk about him, the name Tony Mandarich comes to mind. Remember him? Freak athlete; could run like a deer, junp like a gazelle and had the physique of a Greek God. He had only one problem. HE WASN’T A VERY GOOD FOOTBALL PLAYER! This guy has boom or bust written all over him and I just don’t think you risk #1’s on guys like this.
Admittedly, the tackle position really drops after him and the kid from USC but if they are going to go OT in say the 2nd round, Tony Washington fits the bill, but has had off-field issues or Roger Saffold, although I keep hearing he is going to move inside.
But speaking of OL, two guys I would like the Cards to keep in mind are C Eric Olsen from ND and OT Newhouse from TCU, although he is also said to be moving inside after the draft.. These are both athletic, productive players that I think will be late round steals, particularly Olsen.
BTW....
Anybody get a load of John Lott at the combine? I am so glad he will be back, he’s awesome!
Was thinking the same thing
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
This is the exact reason why the Combine is so over rated
Who cares how fast a OT can run a forty yard dash? Or how about a vertical jump or a long jump? Do any of these drills outside of bench press have any bearing on how well this guy can play football? Hell no.
The fact is everyone knew he was a great athlete but he’s struggled with inconsistency and injuries up to this point. At this point I’d say he’s alot like several other Maryland products (Vernon Davis and Darrius Heyward-Bey) in that he’s more of an athlete than a football player right now.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Mar 2, 2010 6:28 AM MST reply actions 2 recs
excellent point!
I find it equally hilarious how the national media, keeps insisting that tebows “impressive workout” puts him back in the picture!
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