College Football is the clear and only pipeline to the NFL. It is filled with thousands of talented young men that dream of playing at the next level. Only 1.5% of those players become pro football players. Every draft has positions that are deeper than others, some believe this is a quarterback class and others believes it is a running back class. Let’s not forget about those “DIVAS” the pretty boy receivers. They are loaded with depth and talent, I want to shine the light on some of these pass catchers. Here is my scouting report!!
Parris Campbell, Wide receiver, OSU
Height-Weight: 6’1 208 lbs.
Film reviewed: Indiana (2017), UNLV (2017)
The Good: Campbell is an electric playmaker with the football in his hand. He has the first step quickness that will put fear in the hearts of opposing defensive backs. He is scheme versatile with experience playing outside as well as in the slot and his frame allows him to be effective in both areas. His experience with bubble screens is a plus because the NFL is gravitating towards those extended run/pass plays. Good vision as a runner and puts pressure on defenders to stay disciplined with pursuit angles. He is tough to tackle in open field and is a big play waiting to happen. Parris adds explosive punt/kick return ability to special teams.
The Bad: In similar fashion to Dante Pettis, Campbell’s biggest problem is his quarterback. JT Barrett is an average passer at best. He suffers from an offense that is limited in the passing category. Parris also needs to work on increasing the routes in his repertoire. His route tree is very limited and he rounds off routes instead of cutting into them. I would like to see how he handles physical man coverage at the next level. He needs to work on techniques because you will not be able to out run everyone in the NFL.
Pro Comparison: Parris is a Cordarrelle Patterson/Tyreek Hill hybrid. Like both of those explosive players, Parris is not a refined route runner and will make an impact as a special team ace early on. He should have plays and packages installed for him early on until he is ready for a full time role. While in limited roles they were still able to be impact players. Hill is one of/if not the most dynamic play maker in the league. Parris should look to mirror his step to success.
Team Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins
References
NCAA. (2017). Estimated probability of competing in professional athletics. Retrieved from http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/research/estimated-probability-competing-professional-athletics
