Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State #21
6002, 208, 4.36
Notes: From Akron, OH. Excelled in track and field as a prep, running 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relay, 60-meter, 100-meter and 200-meter. Played sparingly in 3 games as a freshman in 2014, catching 3 passes for 18 yards. Saw the field in 8 games, but did not touch the ball on offense, in 2015. Played in 13 games, caught 13-121, rushed 4-54-1 and averaged 27.8 on 21 kickoff returns in 2016. Played in 13 games, missing some time with a head injury, but caught 40-584-3, rushed 10-132-1 and kickoff returns 9-329 (36.6 avg.) in 2017.
Positives: Nice size and build with home run speed. Dangerous runner after the catch. Can turn a short pass into a long gain with his run-after-the-catch ability and pure speed. Exceptional acceleration. Pulls away from defenders in the open field. Extremely effective on reverses. Very smooth, almost effortless stride. Elite kickoff returner who is a threat to go the distance anytime there is a seam for him. Runs with strength. Is not easily tackled. Blocks downfield.
Negatives: Needs to polish his route skills and the finer points of running a complete route tree of pass patterns. Hasn’t been as productive as his talent would indicate.
Summary: Immense physical talent with big-play speed that cannot be taught. Can make an immediate impact on returns, gadget plays and a handful of basic routes. Can be a Pro Bowl receiver if he fully develops his overall game, but is a bit of a gadget receiver to this point. Should go no later than Day Two on Draft Day.
