Oakland Raider Bruce Campbell: Why Move Him?

Bruce Campbell is 6'7'', 315 pounds, and two tons of left-tackle talent. He is a physical specimen the likes the NFL has never seen in an offensive linemen.

His physical measurables are also off of the chart, to match his sculpted body. He bench presses 500 pounds and repped-out 225 pounds 34 times at the combine.

Mike Mayock also timed Campbell at 4.78 in the 40 at the combine. His official time was 4.85 because they probably couldn't bring themselves to believe he was that fast. 

To go along with his speed, he had a 20yard shuttle of 4.69 and a three-cone drill of 7.58. Then he had a vertical leap of 32 inches with an 8'5'' broad jump.

Mayock said of Campbell, "His measurables are better than most tight ends." Campbell also has 36.5-inch-long arms. He is without weakness physically.

Dwight Galt was his strength coach at the University of Maryland. He said of Campbell, "He is the offensive line version of Vernon Davis." I can see the parallel between the two.

Many of you may see Campbell as a Tony Mandarich.

But Mandarich's physicality was brought on by steroids. He also didn't have good feet. Campbell has good feet as well as those long arms.

So what is stopped this beast from being a first-rounder?

Campbell's film doesn't consistently match his measurables.  Campbell (knee and turf toe) played hurt a lot in 2009.

Therefore, Campbell couldn't consistently be the beast he was capable of being in college last year. Coming out of school early after such a year couldn't have helped his cause either.

I originally thought the Raiders should trade for his former teammate Jared Gaither. I have since changed my stance upon thinking about Campbell's potential.

That is where offensive line guru Tom Cable comes in. He can help make Campbell as good as he wants to be. 

It has been reported that Cable was strangely working him at right guard in minicamp.

Why would Cable do such a thing?

"I'm trying to get him some immediate playing time," Cable said.

I don't know if I would mess with his mind like that. I would just teach that man to play left tackle until he is ready. However, Cable is the offensive line guru, so I will close my eyes and hope that he doesn't get twisted while trying absorb too much.

There is evidence of it already. Campbell after a minicamp at guard said,"People would say it's easier, but I don't see it being easier right now."

Then I hear that many in Raider Nation want Jared Veldheer to play left tackle.

Why in the world would you do that?

Campbell is a Hall of Fame talent.

I have argued with many in Raider Nation about my non-desire to see Veldheer at left tackle over Campbell. They would say, "Cable can develop Veldheer into a great offensive tackle."

What could he do with Campbell?

There's clearly much more to work with there.

He is stronger, more athletic, and has longer arms. He also has more experience with better competition in college. Campbell could very well be Cable's monument to the game of football.

Training Camp is fast approaching, and I am anxious to see how fast he could learn.

Could he get a chance at left tackle this year?

Who knows?

He sure doesn't have an All-Pro in front of him.

What if he is not ready? The Raiders are a left tackle away from contending.

Flozell Adams is still out there.

What? Flozell isn't what he used to be. He just led the league in penalty yards.

Henderson led the league sacks given up . Please don't blame it all on Jamarcus Russell. Henderson also led the league in quarterbacks injured under his watch.

False start and holding penalties give you the down over. Plus there's the possibility of a hold being missed.

Sacks are the equivalent of loss of down penalties. You must also be concerned with getting your quarterback injured.

I would even rather see Khalif Barnes get another shot. Barnes has at least been good before. However, he was not given the chance to get back in shape after being out all that time with a broken leg last year.

What was "Not-So Super Mario's" excuse?

The Raiders need one good year out of some one and Henderson isn't it.

Didn't Henderson have a good year in 2008?

That was five games.

What do you have against Henderson?

Nothing against him at all. He's just not very good and he threw his former quarterback under the bus to excuse his poor play.

He said, "It's nice to know where the quarterback is going to be." That was in response to being asked about working with Jason Campbell in minicamp.

Is that why Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye got hurt?

We have no more time for Henderson, so let's get back to Bruce Campbell. He has loads of talent to play left tackle.

Even his intangables just went off the charts as Campbell now has something to prove. He expected to be a top ten pick and fell all the way to the fourth round.

Who better to show than the very team that was supposed to pick Campbell eighth over all in the first place. My money is always on a hungry football player that has immense talent.

So how much sense does moving him to make?