Thread: Calais Campbell "The Mystery Man"

While there has been much debate and speculation about Calais concerning his inconsistency and work ethic I beleive he is a top value at DE. Cambell had a poor combine and a not so great senior season. His fortey time at the combine was no good, his bench press was only 16 reps and people have questioned his leadership and work ethic. Aside from the negatives there are plenty of positives. He's 6foot8 280 pounds and he's young at age 21, he will be 22 by seasons end. He has very long arms which makes it that much more difficult to bench press. His coaches claim he is a very humble guy and has a great work ethic. Cambell also has been noted for his effort in playing peice keeper in the Hurricains mighty brawl while the rest of his teamates used there helmets as weapons. Cambell believes he can be an elite player with proper coaching and surroundings. When watching these highlights I see a blue chip future if he can get on the right track. I believe we have a great strength and conditioning program that will help him, not that I believe strength is a problem. I think Cambell is a very smart football player, who uses his hands well and gets the proper leverage which is difficult for a guy his size. He is also the most agile DE I've seen in awhile, very athletic for his size and doesn't shy away from batting passes. His biggest concern, the 40 time is completely dismissed after watching this, deceptive speed folks, very deceptive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3vOu...eature=related

While this is just a highlight film, he looks very impressive to me, a possible blue chip player. The homework must be done to find out why he didn't have a repeat junior season. They claim he went to the combine overweight and out of shape, this is not a good sign and shows a lack of work ethic.

Mystery

If he is such a physical talent AND a humble and hardworking player why didn't he do better with his workouts?...

I don't want to gamble with this year's first rounder...the Vikes need to pass on him in Round 1.
If he is still there in Round 2, then maybe he is worth taking.
Even then, the Vikes need players that can step in and contribute from their first day picks.
Second day is for gambling.

"ItalianStallion" wrote:

If he is such a physical talent AND a humble and hardworking player why didn't he do better with hi workouts?...

I think thats a good question, if I was full time scout and did it for a living I could probably tell you why. From my standpoint it is mystery but I'm sure NFL scouts will determine if his work ethic is worthy of a top pick, if not he will most likely slip very far and turn into a flop.

"cajunvike" wrote:

I don't want to gamble with this year's first rounder...the Vikes need to pass on him in Round 1.
If he is still there in Round 2, then maybe he is worth taking.
Even then, the Vikes need players that can step in and contribute from their first day picks.
Second day is for gambling.

Good point Cajun.
I just wonder if at #17 the Vikes can get a legit starter.
Most of all on the D side of the ball.
I hope Childress picks wisely.

I think that Campbell is getting murdered in the media. I think he should be 2nd of our DE board. I think I may perfer him to Harvey. My only issue with Campbell is he legs. Being 6'8 he has to get extra low to protect himself. I don't see that in the videos. I don't think his weight and poor 40 were a result of poor work ethic. I believe 1st round players all know what is at stake if they have a good combine. It's possible that he tried to put on some weight to increase his bench and it back fired. In none of those highlights did I see a guy that gave up on plays....

AT this point if we cannot get Harvey... I switch picks with the Jags to have them take Merling and grab Campbell and a 3rd rounder if possible. I really like this guy.

Merling = teh sukorz

"kevoncox" wrote:

I think that Campbell is getting murdered in the media. I think he should be 2nd of our DE board. I think I may perfer him to Harvey. My only issue with Campbell is he legs. Being 6'8 he has to get extra low to protect himself. I don't see that in the videos. I don't think his weight and poor 40 were a result of poor work ethic. I believe 1st round players all know what is at stake if they have a good combine. It's possible that he tried to put on some weight to increase his bench and it back fired. In none of those highlights did I see a guy that gave up on plays....

AT this point if we cannot get Harvey... I switch picks with the Jags to have them take Merling and grab Campbell and a 3rd rounder if possible. I really like this guy.

Merling = teh sukorz

He's still not worth the gamble in the first round.

"cajunvike" wrote:

I don't want to gamble with this year's first rounder...the Vikes need to pass on him in Round 1.
If he is still there in Round 2, then maybe he is worth taking.
Even then, the Vikes need players that can step in and contribute from their first day picks.
Second day is for gambling.

Who do you suggest then? Merling... the amazing de that had 12 career sacks? 2 while playing along with Gaines Adams( a top 5 pick last year) Who screams gamble to you?

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/de

Campbell
YR
G
Tck
TFL

Sacks
JR 13
84
20.5

10.5
SR 12
50
12.5

6

Merling
JR 13

46
10.0

3.0
SR 13

78
17.0

7.0

Cambell is slicking because his SR was not as good as his junior year but it's still similar to Merling's Amazing Senior year. The fact is MIA wasn't very good last year and the highlights can show you that the guy was doubled and sometimes tripled team and still put up #s. I would look to see how the bat downs compare.

The only pro's I have heard about Merling is his versitility. However, a 275 lbs DT in the pros is a no no ( i'm talking to you Marr) I think you invision him being used like the Giants use Justin Tuck. The only difference is Justin Tucks amazing speed and ability. Merling does not appear to posess these tools. He is the DE i want the least at # 17

"kevoncox" wrote:

"cajunvike" wrote:

I don't want to gamble with this year's first rounder...the Vikes need to pass on him in Round 1.
If he is still there in Round 2, then maybe he is worth taking.
Even then, the Vikes need players that can step in and contribute from their first day picks.
Second day is for gambling.

Who do you suggest then? Merling... the amazing de that had 12 career sacks? 2 while playing along with Gaines Adams( a top 5 pick last year) Who screams gamble to you?

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/de

Campbell
YR
G
Tck
TFL

Sacks
JR 13
84
20.5

10.5
SR 12
50
12.5

6

Merling
JR 13

46
10.0

3.0
SR 13

78
17.0

7.0

Cambell is slicking because his SR was not as good as his junior year but it's still similar to Merling's Amazing Senior year. The fact is MIA wasn't very good last year and the highlights can show you that the guy was doubled and sometimes tripled team and still put up #s. I would look to see how the bat downs compare.

The only pro's I have heard about Merling is his versitility. However, a 275 lbs DT in the pros is a no no ( i'm talking to you Marr) I think you invision him being used like the Giants use Justin Tuck. The only difference is Justin Tucks amazing speed and ability. Merling does not appear to posess these tools. He is the DE i want the least at # 17

I don't want Merling EITHER.
Harvey or take an OT.
Go DE in the second or trade the pick for Jason Taylor if possible.