NFL Draft Prospects: Calais Campbell

Name: Calais Campbell
Position: Defensive End
School: Miami
Year: Junior
2007 Stats: 50 total tackles, 1 INT, 6.5 Sacks, 2 Forced fumbles, 2 passes defensed
Ht: 6-8
Wt: 280
40: N/A
Bench: N/A
Expected draft position: DE 3-6 1st round
YouTube Linkage

Strengths: Freakish physical attributes, Campbell stands at an amazing 6 foot 8 inches tall. His long arms, good hands and deceiving speed give him a physical skill-set that defensive coordinators will salivate over.

Concerns: Many have said that Campbell could use another year of seasoning before coming to the NFL to improve his game.

Comments: The high upside pick of the defensive end class, Campbell has proven that can be a significant force at times. His physical attributes have been likened to that of Julius Peppers, good company to have. However, many scouts question whether he is ready to make the jump to the NFL. I believe that Campbell will be an impact player on Sundays, but not for another 2 or 3 years. He will likely be chosen in the mid 1st based on measureables alone.

tag: NFL, Draft, Profile, Miami, Calais Campbell

NFL Draft Prospects: Vernon Gholston

Name: Vernon Gholston
Position: Defensive End
School: Ohio State
Year: Junior
2007 Stats: 14 Sacks, Tackles 25, Assists 12
Ht: 6-4
Wt: 264
40: N/A
Bench: N/A
Expected draft position: DE 2 Top 10
YouTube Linkage
Strengths: Excellent pass rusher, fast and strong. Continuous pushing to the quarterback. A pristine physical specimen.

Concerns: Raw, needs to develop more.

Comments: The most upside of a rush end in the draft, Gholston has all of the tools to become the next Shawne Merriman. He absolutely manhandled the top OL prospect in the draft, Jake Long, in Ohio State’s game against Michigan this year. I expect the team that drafts him to immediately convert him to a full time OLB in a 3-4 scheme.

tag: NFL, Draft, Profile, Ohio State, Video, Football, Vernon Gholston

NFL Draft Prospects: Chris Long

Name: Chris Long
Position: Defensive End
School: Virginia
Year: Senior
2007 Stats: 14 Sacks ,36 Tackles, 43 Assists
Ht: 6-4
Wt: 284
40: N/A
Bench: N/A
Expected draft position: DE 1 Top 5 1st round
YouTube Linkage

Strengths: Many good things to say about Long. He is big, strong and fast. Excellent hand use and has great pass-rush moves. Good against the run and is always disciplined in his assignment.

Concerns: Very few.

Comments: Able to play 4-3 end and 3-4 end, there aren’t many teams who won’t be in the market for Long’s services. Son of former NFL great and current NFL analyst Howie Long, Chris has piled up a solid college career and looks to be the first end drafted this year. He plays with poise beyond his years.