Calais Campbell Scouting Report

Campbell was highly touted coming into his junior season at University of Miami. He was recruited as a tight end and as a defensive end for a lot of major powers in NCAA before landing with the Canes'. He was redshirted his freshman year and found his niche along the defensive line. He was soon dubbed "Big Show" by his teammates because of his massive 6'8, 280 pound frame and incredible talent. He was one of the most physically gifted athletes on the Canes' roster during the 2007 season.

He uses his hands well, which is no wonder because he played tight end during his high school days. His junior season was somewhat of a let down to some by compiling six sacks; those numbers are a bit deceiving because Campbell was one of the most disruptive forces the ACC had to offer. Following his junior campaign, he was an All-ACC honorable mention.

NFL teams will be salivating over Campbell's potential at the next level. His height and speed are regarded as top-notch and will certainly transfer over well in the NFL. Campbell will shine during the combine and will be deserving of a top 15 selection come April.

2/28 Update: It is still Calais Campbell's poor 2007 season with Miami that is keeping him down draft boards, but his performance at the Combine did not help. He ran a slow 40 and did not prove he had the strength to make up for it. He will keep slipping down draft boards unless he can change things around during his pro day.

3/21 Update: Calais Campbell is an imposing figure and that might be enough to keep him in the first round. His Pro Day did not add much to his overall resume and potential is still his greatest gift. He has all the tools in the world and a little coaching could turn him into the top ten talent that he was expected to be heading into the 2007 collegiate season. Once he falls into the late first-round, he is worth the risk and many teams will certainly think about selecting him at that time.

4/11 Update: Calais Campbell will likely fall further than the late first round. As more time goes by, it gets harder and harder to find the positives in the defensive end. His last season at Miami was a dud and his performances leading up to the draft have been disappointing at best. Campbell may slide down well into the second round, or worse. Every draft pick is pretty much a big risk, but taking Campbell will be considered one of the biggest risks in the 2008 Draft. Some team that can afford to take a risk should take him sometime in the second round.