NFL Draft Profile: How Parris Campbell fits with the 49ers

Today we take a closer look at Ohio State product and speed demon Parris Campbell as the San Francisco 49ers may turn to the 2019 NFL Draft to acquire a game-changing receiver.

Greetings Faithful! We are quickly working our way through the busy and chaotic off season. So much has happened in just a short period of time since the start of free agency. The San Francisco 49ers have made multiple additions to their team via free agency. As of this writing, the 49ers have acquired a pass rusher trading for Dee Ford in exchange for a 2020 second round pick. Linebacker was addressed with the signing of Kwon Alexander. The team got a bargain when they signed cornerback and former 1^st round draft selection Jason Verrett to a one-year deal. The team signed veteran wide receiver Jordan Matthews to a one year deal with low risk and high reward opportunities. Tevin Coleman is now reunited with Kyle Shanahan after the team signed him to a two-year deal adding depth and insurance to the backfield, and lastly, the 49ers brought back one of their own free agents in defensive back and 2014 first round selection Jimmie Ward.

Are more signings on the way? There’s always a possibility, especially when the team still sits in the top five in available salary cap. However, I believe the front office and coaching staff will now turn their focus towards the 2019 NFL Draft. I still believe this team is missing a game-changing wide receiver. I like the Matthews signing, however he doesn’t scream game-changer or true number one. If the 49ers stay at number two in the first round there isn’t a wide receiver worth taking in that spot. Assuming they stay in that spot and draft one of Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, or Josh Allen then our focus must turn to the second and third rounds. Day 2 seems like a great spot for this team to select a receiver to pair with Dante Pettis.

Recently, Josh Eccles put together a fantastic scouting report on wide receiver N’Keal Harry. Today, I am going to take a closer look at Parris Campbell from Ohio State.

Parris Campbell put on a show for us at the recent NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Campbell had everyone’s undivided attention when he ran a 4.31 during the 40-yard dash, confirming his status as a speed demon with the ability to take the top off of a defense. Below are Campbell’s Combine results:

40 Yard Dash: 4.31
Bench Press: 11 Reps
Vertical Jump: 40.0”
Broad Jump: 135”
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.03

Measurements:

Height: 6’0”
Weight: 205 lbs.
Hands: 9 ½”
Arms: 32 1/4 “

Analysis:

Just to show you how fast Campbell is, here is a video comparing Campbell’s 40 yard run to the likes of Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, and Odell Beckham Jr.

Campbell has the ability to burst out of the gates, running fluidity through his hips. He has the speed to stretch the field and take the top off of a defense forcing safeties and corners to be honest. Campbell is explosive and fluid all at once, and consistently created separation in one to one match-ups with defensive backs.

Plays light on his feet, and has the ability to dart and maneuver around defenders in the open field. Campbell’s speed also makes him a dangerous weapon and option out of the backfield as highlighted below.

Throughout the course of the season Campbell was able to break ankles and knock defensive backs off-balance. His ability to shift and cut shows why Campbell can be dangerous in the open field.

Campbell has demonstrated his ability to catch the football consistently when in motion. Campbell has a great blend of upper and lower body strength, and will use his size to break initial tackles and create yards after the reception. Campbell can make receptions and create separation at all three levels on the field. His ability to spilt tacklers on angles, find the edge, and take off downfield is a sight to see. He has demonstrated this ability both as a receiver and ball carrier when lining up in the backfield.

Campbell has soft and reliable hands and is always an option to make receptions outside the numbers or up the middle in the slot. He can make catches look effortless underneath, while also putting himself in the line of fire and reeling in more difficult passes in tighter windows. From his tape, Campbell plays fearless and isn’t afraid to take a hit. Campbell was one of Dwayne Haskin’s most trusted targets this season. Campbell, more often than not, offered Haskins open looks and windows to complete his passes. While he is not the tallest receiver, Campbell still made his presence known in the red-zone. Here is a clean reception for the touchdown:

The last point I would like to address about Campbell is his abilities on special teams. Once again, there is no denying his speed, vision, and creativity to find the open space, turn on the jets, and take off. His contributions as a kick returner only raise the value that he offers to the team that selects him in April.

Is Campbell a Good Fit?

There are many arguments we can make as to why Parris Campbell is a good fit for the San Francisco 49ers and Kyle Shanahan’s offense. For one, Shanahan schemes and uses a lot of creativity to get his receivers open. Campbell is a receiver who is all about creativity on the field. His ability to constantly split tacklers, find the edge, and use his speed to gain additional yards after the reception could be the spark this offense needs. I am also intrigued as to how Shanahan can use Campbell as an option in the backfield (Yes, even with 4 running backs already on the roster!). Overall, Campbell is a weapon who gives an offense multiple options on how to utilize him. He has the potential to give defensive coordinators fits. Someone of Campbell’s talents and stature can bring another dimension and explosive appeal to this 49ers offense.

What are YOUR thoughts on Parris Campbell? Please share in the comments below!