#25 Parris Campbell, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Parris Campbell’s draft stock rose after he clocked a 4.31 second 40-yard dash, which was the third fastest time at the combine. The former Buckeye can be a quarterback’s best friend by inflating their stats with his abilities after the catch. While Campbell’s speed makes him a potential first round pick, his lack of production throughout his career at Ohio State hinders his draft value. He finished his career at Ohio State with 143 receptions, 1,768 yards and 15 touchdowns, and accounted for 90 receptions, 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns in his senior. Had he put together a season similar to his senior year, we might be talking about him as a top 15 pick.
Campbell has great speed that can completely eliminate defenders’ angles; which makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He is also a smart player since he constantly finds holes in zone coverage and knows when to sit. He was a running back in high school and that shows on film as his route running needs work because he struggles to make sharp cuts and get out of his breaks. To compensate for this, he rolls into his routes and that makes him easier to cover in man-to-man plays. He needs to improve on his route running because he is too reliant upon scheme or play design in order to beat man coverage. At the end of the day, you can’t coach speed and since he has plenty of it, coaches, scouts and general managers easily fall in love with him.
Fit for the Raiders
If Campbell is on the board at pick 27, the late Al Davis might make the call from the grave and pick him. Davis would certainly marvel at Campbell’s 4.31 speed. All jokes aside, he could be a great fit for the Raiders. He primarily played in the slot at Ohio State and the Raiders could use a speedy slot receiver. Head coach Jon Gruden might get frustrated with his route running, but Gruden is supposed to be an offensive mastermind and have a great scheme. Pairing Campbell with an offensive minded coach like Gruden could be a match made in heaven.Â
Draft Projection
Ravens (#22)
Raiders (#27)
Eagles (#25)
The Ravens desperately need help at wide receiver and Campbell could be a good fit with their offense. Baltimore’s commitment to quarterback Lamar Jackson indicates that they are going to utilize a ground and pound running game and a deep passing attack. Campbell’s speed makes him a great candidate for the Ravens’ offense, plus his background as running back could make him a weapon in the running game as well. As mentioned above, the Raiders could use a speedy slot receiver and he might be the best one available in this draft. Nelson Agholor enters a contract year for the Eagles and signing 32-year old DeSean Jackson shouldn’t be a deterrent if Philadelphia likes Campbell.
