Healthy Competition

I have a good feeling about this year!… We are going all the way!… We’re looking good with everything we did in the off season!… This year is different! These are things that every NFL fan says about their favorite team. Of course, there are an exception to that rule with a few teams that never seem to enjoy real success. Let me tell you why I am feeling good about the Dallas Cowboys in the upcoming 2010 season…competition.

Jerry has adopted a way of handling this team that has been a rule of previous successors of the Dallas Cowboys. For perfect example, take Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson. These two leaders, of grown men, knew how to motivate their team while remaining loyal and making this a business. Just like how any other business is ran, if you don’t do your job there will be somebody that is more than willing to take your position. If it means to get on a professional football team… then that is a definite! But to play for America’s Team!… the Dallas Cowboys, comes a real sense of honor. To know what has been a symbol of a successful sports franchise for years is what has become every player (who takes their craft seriously) dreams come true. Even if you have rooted for another team your entire childhood, to play for the silver and blue really means something.

Competition should always bring the best out of us. Competition doesn’t necessarily mean cutting the throat of the man, behind you or, in front of you in order to get ahead. It means everyday showing up with your ‘A-Game’. Despite how you feel that day or what’s going on in your life, you know how to get the best out of yourself in whatever you do. That also means getting the best out of yourself with the people that you work with…you push each other. Lots of times you end up rooting for that person that you are also competing against. Mainly for the love and dedication that you have for each other…and in this case, that star.

I love the way that Jerry and Wade handle this team after handfuls of follies Jerry had dealt over the years. Dishing out millions of dollars for big time players that just don’t seem to mount up to high standards when their pockets get really full. Perfect example of this has been Terrell Owens. Money doesn’t always talk, but B.S. definitely walked. A lot has been learned from the few short years that T.O. has given to this organization. T.O. got paid big money and felt like he needed to prove himself, so he played at the top of his game. He had that motivation, that sense to prove himself, that fire under his rear. Once he got paid again and knew that he was “set” to be a Dallas Cowboy for life, his true colors spilt out.

Now for the subject of Roy Williams, that is something that I just don’t feel like touching right now…I believe I have already said enough.

To get to my point…we need to have depth at all positions and we have it this year. We have veterans competing with veterans; rookies drooling over the chance to learn from a vets and possibly take over a vets spot; and rookies needing to prove themselves with all the talk that has surrounded them.

There are some exceptions to the rule this year. Tony Romo has proven himself this year as a true elite QB. Now that we have a ‘QB friendly’ system, he has shown himself to know how to be the leader and to successfully march the team down the field. Demarcus Ware has proven himself to be a constant elite player on defense. After starting off slow last season, he came through strong in the end and remained a definite force. But, it is always nice to have that guy behind him wanting to get in and show what he’s got. To show that he’s got the stuff it takes. That’s what makes a team solid. To know that when Ware comes out of the game that there will be a Jason Williams, Victor Butler, Stephen Hodges, or Brandon Williams waiting behind for their chances to contribute to the team. The competition is what makes the Dallas Cowboys a whole, to function to it’s max potential.

Sean Lee will be on the backs of the feet of Brady James and Keith Brooking this year. Not saying that either one of these veteran starters will be replaced, but Sean Lee will be there to learn and to show that he can play at that level. I am particularly happy with our Wide Receiving corp this year! Our original starter will be Miles Austin and Roy Williams. There will be plenty of competition for both of these starter to make sure to always bring their ‘A-Game’. We have Kevin Ogletree who wants to prove that he can handle more snaps this year after his successful rookie showing. Manny Johnson and Jesse Holley feel like they could replace either Patrick Crayton and/or Sam Hurd for a slot on that bottom of that roster. Let’s not forget our favorite topic of the year…our first round draft pick. Along with everything I mentioned with our Receiving corp….we can throw Dez Bryant right into the mix of everything.

As for Defense, I already mentioned how our Linebackers will be full to the rim with guys wanting to get in and show their stuff. Some already have and will be sure to always show why they are the newly developed starter (e.g. Anthony Spencer). Now we have competition in the secondary position, with not just the safety position, but also the cornerback position. Just when Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins, and Orlando Scandrick start feeling comfortable at the spots the earned last year…Along comes Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, and Jamar Wall. AOA can play safety and corner, and if he can make the special teams squad he could surely look to be a quality back up and future starter. Alan Ball and Mike Hamlin are looking to be the main competitors for is looking like the Free Safety starting position, but you never know if any of these young cornerbacks could handle that position. You know how Wade likes having guys on his team who can play more than one position. Now with Gerald Sensabaugh looking like he’s not going to play unless he has a contract before the season starts, that just gives other “hungrier” players a chance to show themselves on the pro football stage. Then we have our Offensive Line who now has made the Doug Free situation a little bit lighter. With the addition of Alex Barron(in the Bobby Carpenter trade to the Rams), this years sixth round pick Sam Young ,and now, last years third rounder Robert Brewster is getting healthier from a torn pec before the season began last year. Free will need to show why Tony Sparano felt highly about this young prospect. Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen will be competing with Marcus Spears for Defensive End time. I think everyone is getting my point here!

Now there are good ways to handle adversity with competition. Take Marcus Spears who sees that he is getting under paid but is still willing to go out there and to do whatever he can to progress and to make this team better.

There are bad ways to handle adversity with competition. Take Gerald Sensabaugh, whom won’t play this year unless he has a contract (longer than one year). Patrick Crayton, who isn’t showing up to OTA’s, which is allowing these other WR’s to go out and strut their stuff.

All in all everybody is in it for the team effort…if their not then they are shown the easiest exit out of the Ranch.

We need to keep our players hungry!…that’s exactly what Jimmy Johnson did with the Cowboys in the early 90′s..he kept them wanting more. He made sure that he found talent and that the talent worked hard. Their reward?…wins…”W”s…a championship…many championships! Even spotlight time for their personal achievements. No matter if you just played Special Teams( e.g. Kenneth “The Shark” Grant and Bill Bates). Who can beat that?

Tom Landry did that with his players, with Craig Morton and Roger Staubach sharing time at QB..some times each coming out every other play. Or Preston Pearson with Tony Dorsett. After a while Pearson, knew that he just needed to become a role player and let the young star rookie take the lead. Meanwhile, Pearson gave a whole ‘nother depth to that ’77 championship team.

I could go on and on. I could talk about the Running Back situation, on who should start and who should be our third down back, etc. Jason Witten has Martellus Bennett and John Phillips, to have him staying ahead of the game. Even the kicker Dave Buehler can’t just walk in and assume the starting roll as kicking field goals. Practically, every position has someone who could came in from behind and take over the starting roll…that’s what makes us special.

Now you could be reading this and think, “What about Romo, Ratliff, Witten or Ware?Haven’t these guys already proven themselves at a, sometimes, All-Pro level??…don’t these guys have a solid spot?” Well, of course, they do! They achieved it in their own way, by showing up every day to lead this team. Look at Aikman, Irvin, and Emmitt…they had solid spots, because they carried the team. I would love to say that there are solid spots on this team, but you never know…? I don’t see any rings on Wade’s Dallas Cowboys….just yet! Let ‘em duke it out with each other in the hot weather this offseason….then duke it out with the rest of the NFL to show everyone what they are made of, and what their teammates have pushed each other to become…future Super Bowl Champions!

First Day of Camp: All Eyes on Dez Bryant

The Cowboys started the 2010 season today with their first mini camp. Although there were 24 rookies participating, all eyes were on first round pick Dez Bryant. During the practice Dez showed the talent that made the Cowboys move up to pick him by making a few great catches.

This was Bryant’s first practice since he was suspended by the NCAA and he was glad to be back, “It feels good; it feels great.”

However, conditioning is a problem. Bryant was seen gasping for air and receivers coach Ray Sherman yelled at him, “Got to get in shape.” Overall Bryant looked good out there and says he will keep getting better.

“As the days go on,” Bryant explained, “you will see a lot of progression.“

Second round pick Sean Lee is just happy to be on a team and playing football.

“It’s great to see all the rookies here. I think we’re going to build a little bit of camaraderie. I think it’s good, all of us being here, so we can get more comfortable and used to things as a group.” Sean Lee is going to play a big role for the Cowboys this season at linebacker and needs to learn the calls quick.

Some players, like Sam Young, are just happy to be a Cowboy and know how special it is. “The first thing you see when you come in is all those Super Bowls, and different things that make the Cowboys a special organization.“

The Cowboys first day of mini camp is over and the rookies are looking to improve for tomorrows practice.

The only negative around Cowboys camp right now is the Dez Bryant/Jeff Ireland questioning. After the first practice reporters were asking Bryant if his dad was a “pimp” and tried to get a reaction out of him. Bryant just wanted to talk about football and wanted to leave that problem in the past. Let’s hope the media stops talking about Dez Bryant’s mother too so he can focus on the playbook and getting in shape.

Dallas Cowboys Draft Dez Bryant, Sean Lee in Value Draft

Hey guys, It’s good to back in the swing of things after experiencing quite a lull in the offseason. As most of you know the Cowboys made quite an array of value picks in this past weekends draft. Many of you aren’t thrilled or are just unaware of where the picks came from so I thought we’d visit each pick, grade it, and let you guys get a better feel of your new Cowboys.

Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State: Dez Bryant is a Top 10 talent who fell down to the Cowboys due to over hyped off the field issues. Make no mistake about it, Bryant is a superstar in the making and will give the Cowboys the most productive receiving corps in the NFL.

Career Stats: 147 receptions, 2425 yards 29 touchdowns

Grade: A+

Sean Lee, Inside Linebacker, Penn State: Sean Lee is yet another first round talent that dropped due to an injury the season before. Lee is instinctive; he dissects plays marvelously and is comparable to Keith Brooking. Lee gives extreme value to a position that would have soon become a need. Expect great things about of Lee for years to come, he’s your franchise ILB.

Career Stats: 324 Tackles, 3 FF, 3 INTs

Grade: A-

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Free Safety, Indiana (PA): This is probably the pick you’re most curious about. I’m a Pennsylvania native, so obviously this pick means a lot to me. Akwasi is a versatile, speedy, raw athlete that will be able to evolve into a play making free safety. It will take a year or two but Akwasi has all the potential and intangibles to be Pro Bowl safety. Especially known for his coverage ability.

Grade: A-

Sam Young, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: Another intriguing prospect, great arm length and skill set, but will more then likely be a career back up with starting potential. I don’t foresee him being the future at any position but I do see him being a capable pack up who can start effectively in case of an injury.

Grade: B

Sean Lissemore, Defensive Tackle, William and Mary: Comparable to Jay Ratliff according to Dallas Cowboys stats; He obviously isn’t going to start. However, I do believe he will be an upgrade in the position and will allow for a more versatile and explosive defensive line in 4 down lineman sets.

Career Stats: 174 tackles 13.5 sacks

Grade: C+

Undrafted Rookies to Watch:

Will Barker, OT, Virginia

Phil Costa, G, Maryland

Chris Gronkowski, FB, Arizona

Matt Nichols, QB, Eastern Washington

Lonyae Miller, RB, Fresno State

Chet Teofilo, G, California

Mock Draft 2.0 Rounds 1-3: Bruce Campbell, Myron Rolle Break Through

The combine has concluded and we can all agree that it doesn’t really hurt a players stock, it’s more of a helper. I have spent some time evaluating the Cowboys and the prospects and have completely altered my stance on this NFL draft since my last mock-up.

I’d like to give you guys my revised picks for the first 3 rounds and see what you think, so here we go:

Round 1: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Campbell is an absolute freak: 6-3, 315 lbs of pure muscle. His skills are a little raw but his potential is limitless. If the Cowboys can nab him and get him a good mentor on the offensive line to work on his mechanics and game knowledge, Campbell will become a perennial Pro-Bowler.

Round 2: Myron Rolle, S, FSU

Myron Rolle is a special case. Something that appeals to me is his character. Rolle isn’t the cocky athlete who boasts in his ability. Instead, he is a brilliant man who has a bright future outside of football. Well, despite his incredible potential as a man in this world, he decided to play football first. That decision will land him a role as a franchise caliber player in the Blue and Silver for years. His game isn’t quite at the level of a Thomas or Berry, but his intellect, game knowledge, and rare athletic ability make him an attractive player for any team.

Round 3: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

Spikes has been highly regarded all season throughout collegiate football as a middle linebacker. Unfortunately, his workout in Indianapolis was less than impressive. Like I said before though, I don’t really care. I’ve seen this kid play and he is ruthless. His size and play recognition make him a great run stopping threat and could really benefit from sitting behind Brooking for a year. If Spikes is off the board expect Sean Lee to be taken instead.

Texas WR Jordan Shipley: 2010 Draft Prospect Profile

The combine has begun and so will we here at DCN. With draft prospects becoming more and more known the Cowboys have shown great interest in a few players. However, you guys have shown interest in a few players too. A player that you guys have talked about is WR Jordan Shipley from Texas and today he is the target of our Prospect Profile.

Jordan Shipley (6-0, 195lbs)

Wr/Texas

Shipley is a speedy experienced receiver. His time in the game has allowed him to study the game and understand complex defensive formations and assignments.

Why the Take Him: Shipley is a Texas player so naturally people would love to see him in the Blue and Silver. Beyond that Shipley is an explosive player with great speed and ability. He could add depth to a mediocre receiving unit as well as fill in as a slot receiver. He is an attractive pick if he’s available in the third round.

Why they don’t: You know, there is just not that many weaknesses in this kid. I believe he’s a talented player being easily forgotten in a draft with some great receivers.

Final Word: Shipley is a versatile player who could make plays in different position. He is also known for making big plays when they needed them. However, you’re looking at placing him next to Ogletree and I’m not sure you want to stop the development of Ogletree quite yet.

2010 Draft Prospect Profile: USC Safety Taylor Mays

As I’ve stated many times, my projected first round pick for the Cowboys is Idaho guard Mike Iupati, however, that’s merely an opinion. Someone once said to me “Opinions are like buttholes, everyone’s got one and most of them stink.” So another popular opinion among experts has the Dallas Cowboys taking Safety Taylor Mays of USC. So I thought we’d start our series of Player Profiles here and analyze this pick.

Taylor Mays (6-3, 220, Safety-USC)

Why they take him: Mays is an extremely rangy safety. He clocks a 4.45 40-yard dash and is an incredible physical specimen. His play has showcased some terrific abilities from jumping to movement. He has proven to be durable and have terrific work ethic while always keeping the team first which would match the new Cowboys locker room style to a tee. His ability to play the run is also attractive.

Why they don’t: Mays is your typical Roy Williams cliché. Despite his upside he has been inconsistent making questionable decisions and plays. Often caught going for the big hit instead of the safe tackle, Mays can easily become a liability at the next level. Many experts believe that he will have an issue playing man coverage with receivers due to his technique.

Final Word: Mays is a tremendous talent and may be hard to pass up. However, he is just not what this team needs. This team needs a safety that won’t be a liability in pass coverage and will be reliable when backs or receivers threaten that last line of defense. Mays has many strengths but his weaknesses ruin Cowboys compatibility. If they do take him, I’d be surprised if the relationship lasted longer than his rookie contract.

Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft: Mike Iupati, Jordan Shipley Headline

Hey Cowboys Nation, I’m here to treat you with my first 2010 mock draft. I’ve done a decent amount of research and watching and have established, what I believe is a solid draft for the Dallas Cowboys. Of course, this can all change as we watch the combine and pro days in the weeks ahead.

Over the next few weeks I will be looking at each of these choices in depth, and will also provide news, combine, and prospect updates in the days leading to the draft. So enjoy this, share your insight, and stay tuned as Dallas Cowboys Nation begins to lead you through this offseason.

G/T Mike Iupati

Idaho

Why They Take Him: Mike Iupati has been a favorite of the Cowboys Scouts. Impressive at the senior bowl, Iupati has all the intangibles that the Cowboys love on the line. He is powerful, fast, and knowledgeable. If Iupati is available, which I believe he will be, He will prove over time to be a steal at 27.

How He Fits: Iupati would make an immediate impact on this team. With Flo on his way out and Kosier finishing up his contact we are in need of offensive lineman.

Continue reading →

Idaho’s Mike Iupati Becomes Great Prospect, Other Prosects Turn Heads

The Dallas Cowboys have few needs or holes to fill up this offseason. The call seems to be that we need to draft a safety first and you will see me agree with that assessment on most accounts.

However, there is a name out in this draft that, if available, we have to jump for. I have been following the Senior Bowl fervently and have witnessed one particular offensive lineman consistently put defensive lineman on their back or in deadlock.

This players name is Mike Iupati, an offensive guard from Idaho.

At senior bowl practice this year the 6 foot 5, 325 pound guard pancaked Louisiana Tech’s D’Anthony Smith during a pass rush drill. That changed everything for Iupati who instantly became someone to keep an eye on.

Originally from Samoa, Iupati is a man with great character and extreme talent who many experts believe can also play tackle. He is fast, strong, and smart. A great combination for a man trying to make his mark in one of the most important positions in football.

So what will he be for Dallas?

We have an aging line and need to find a replacement for Adams and Koiser, Iupati has the perfect build and skill set to come in and be an impact right away for the Dallas Cowboys.

A lot of people are calling for Taylor Mays from USC to be called at the 27^th pick of the NFL draft but Iupati would be the smarter call. Mays was shaky this week when asked to perform at a higher level and many project Iupati to be a late first-early second pick. Jerry’s gotta pull the trigger.

Other Names to keep an eye on:

Terrell Skinner, Maryland, FS: A balanced safety who is projected anywhere between the 3-5 rounds. With Sensabaugh adding some security at safety I think Skinner could really transform into a good rangy safety. At the Senior Bowl this past weekend Skinner played well making his presence felt on the field.

Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech, Safety: A junior who earned his first start at Tech as a freshman. A leader with great coverage skills who can also tackle with good form. He has the ability to make plays leading the Tech defense with 7 interceptions and 15 passes defended. Projected in the second round.

Sean Lee, Penn State, ILB: Lee is a dominating linebacker who makes plays consistently. Though slowed with a leg injury, if you could get him in the 3^rd round you gotta take the gamble that the injury isn’t going to affect him. Penn State is known as “linebacker U” and experts have this guy as the best to come out in the last 5 years.

Bryant Anderson, Central Michigan, WR: With Miles Austin emerging as our fast playmaking receiver, Anderson could compliment him wonderfully. A tall possession receiver who seems to make all the catches and wins almost every jump ball. Needs to work on burst and YAC but lots or potential for this 4^th round pick.

Malcolm Sheppard, Arkansas, DT: This is an explosive defensive tackle who can fill gaps. Quick off the snap is quick to penetrate as well with the acceleration and awareness to change direction and stop plays. Wonderful play recognition plus Jerry loves his razorbacks.

Dallas Cowboys 2010 Draft: Creating a Pocket Part I—The Tackles

There are few areas of the 2009 Dallas Cowboys that can be depicted as being “soft”, but there is one area in particular that is of great concern, moving forward. The offensive line of the Cowboys must be better next year in order for this team to continue to progress.

Last Sunday in Minnesota, Tony Romo spent the majority of the afternoon running for his life, and the rest of the day on his back. To put it mildly the Cowboys offensive line played miserably in every way.

The players would probably say they just had a bad day, and they would be wrong. Marc Colombo, Doug Free, Andre Gurode, Kyle Kosier, and Leonard Davis were outplayed, out worked, and just downright beaten.

I’ve heard fans discussing their displeasure with the play calling of Jason Garrett, and specifically his supposed fascination with the delayed runs. Jason Garrett fell in love with that type of running play for only one reason—it was/is the best way he could think of to disguise the Cowboys’ problems along the line.

For being one of the largest lines in the league this line plays extremely soft and lacks a nasty streak.

Marc Colombo was supposed to be a big lift for this unit, if for no other reason than his nasty streak. Unfortunately, for everyone involved, that did not happen. Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards (a solid DE, but far from being All Pro) repeatedly blew past Colombo like he was a street walker begging for change. And let’s be honest, as well as Doug Free played in his absence, he would have no chance against Jared Allen.

The Cowboys tried to slow the bleeding by keeping extra blockers in—the Vikings just pinned their ears back and attacked the soft interior of the Dallas line.

The Cowboys have some work to do here, and that work is going to start with upgrading the tackle position.

Flozell Adams has been one of the best left tackles in the game for a long time, but his best years are far behind him. The time is now to find his successor.

Marc Colombo has been great for the Cowboys (outside of last week in Minnesota) but his spot will be heavily evaluated by the coaching staff.

Last year Dallas drafted Robert Brewster with the hope that he could come in and eventually take over one of those tackle spots. However, Brewster went down early with an injury and never played a snap in 2009.

The Offensive line will most assuredly be addressed in this year’s draft. But just who are the most viable players?

Let’s take a look…

Russell Okung – Senior Tackle from Oklahoma State 6’5″ 300 lbs.

Graded by many as the best Tackle in this year’s draft, some throughout this year even said that he may have a shot at being the first overall selection. While he was not the starter at the beginning of his freshman season at OSU, by game 6 of that year he was and he never looked back. Okung is an athletic tackle with quick feet. He’s able to handle the edge-speed rushers, yet still strong enough to handle the bull rush. Coming from the pass happy Big 12 afforded him the opportunities to hone his pass protection skills, but don’t think for a second that he’s a one-trick-pony.

He is an excellent run blocking tackle and his agility and quickness allow him to get out in front and open huge holes.

Russell will be long gone by the time the Cowboys make their first selection as it stands now, but if management feels that they need to replace Flo quickly, this would be the guy to move up in the draft for.

Anthony Davis – Junior Tackle from Rutgers 6’6″ 325 lbs.

Anthony Davis is one of the top offensive linemen in the nation, and before that he was one of the top prep offensive linemen in the nation, and odds are very good that he will be a top offensive lineman in the NFL.

Davis has been a man among boys in the Big East conference.

As a sophomore in 2008 he was second team all conference. As a freshman he was a First Team Freshman All America at Rutgers.

Anthony Davis is the Prototypical NFL Left Tackle—he is big, strong, agile, and moves extremely well for a big man. Davis will likely be on the board in the vicinity of where Dallas selects in the first round, and if he is there, Dallas would have a very difficult time letting him get away.

Bryan Bulaga – Junior Tackle from Iowa 6’6″ 312 lbs.

Bryan Bulaga is just another outstanding offensive lineman to come out of Lineman U. (Iowa). Bryan began his collegiate career as a Guard and he started five games at that spot as a freshman.

The following spring he became the starting left tackle at Iowa, where he has remained the last two years.

Bulaga is big and has exceptionally quick feet for his size. He has very long arms which he uses superbly to run speed-rusher’s right of the play. While he is not as strong as a Joe Thomas or Jake Long, he’s still very young and has the body to accommodate some added bulk. Bulaga is an excellent pass blocker—his main priority will be to focus on his run blocking. As with Anthony Davis, he will be in the Cowboys area code and it’ll be hard to pass him by.

Trent Williams – Senior Tackle from Oklahoma 6’5″ 318 lbs.

Trent Williams is a very large human being. He has all the physical attributes that one would look for in a Left Tackle. Trent started his career at Oklahoma as a right Tackle, and was only just moved to left tackle before the 2009 season. He’s a very solid Tackle but in my opinion he’s an underachiever.

This was the year he was supposed to be a dominant force for Oklahoma, but if any of you watched any Sooner games this year what you saw was an extremely porous line, and it was Trent Williams leading the charge.

Trent Williams will more than likely be drafted among the first four or five linemen taken, and will more than likely never make any kind of contribution. Please Dallas, stay away.

Charles Brown – Senior Tackle from USC 6’5″ 290 lbs.

Charles Brown is yet another athletic lineman to emerge from USC.

While at USC he played as a “light” tackle (light as far as NFL standards go) but he has the frame to accommodate some extra bulk without it affecting his athleticism. He’s very fast and agile coming out of his stance, and has above average mobility, body control, balance, and change of direction skills.

His major flaw, however, is his lack of physicality, power, and mass.

He struggles with holding his ground against the bull rusher. Brown has a ton of upside and could step right in and perform well in pass protection. But it will take time, bulk, and strength to improve his run blocking. He could be a very nice 2nd or 3rd round selection for Dallas.

Bruce Campbell – Senior Tackle from Maryland 6’7″ 310 lbs.

Campbell has all the tools—length, athleticism, size, and good footwork—to be an exceptional tackle in the NFL.

He sets up quickly, is able to correct and recover, gets to the second level, and is exceptional in space.

As a run blocker he seals very well and get this folks, he is the perfect tackle fit for a team that likes to run screens and delayed runs! However, where there is good there is always bad. Campbell is still pretty raw. Yes, he is an elite pass blocker, but his run blocking needs quite a bit of work.

He’s just not aggressive enough in the run game.

He sometimes gets lazy with his technique and has been known to lose the leverage battle. There were a few times at Maryland that he appeared to have a case of the don’t want to’s but that team was awful and he was young. But he’ll have to prove his dedication. This guy is the wild card of the bunch, he could be a top 20 pick or he could fall to the 3rd or 4th round.