New England Patriots - NESN.com
Will Campbell is sick and tired of hearing about his arm length.
It’s been almost the only thing discussed about one of the best offensive lineman prospects in next month’s NFL draft — Campbell could get selected as high as fourth overall to the New England Patriots.
Campbell’s arm length yet again was a major topic Wednesday at LSU’s pro day. The tape measure was brought out once more and Campbell’s arms came in at 33 inches, which was a big positive for the 21-year-old after they were measured at 32 5/8 inches at last month’s NFL Scouting Combine.
But Campbell doesn’t really care what measurement NFL teams use. He believes the narrative about his arm length impacting his play at the next level is completely overblown, and he made sure to tell people he thought that was the case, too.
“For two years, nobody had any measurements on me and nobody said anything about my play,” Campbell told reporters, per NOLA.com’s Wilson Alexander. “So now, all of a sudden, an arm length decides if I’m a good player or not? I think it’s BS.
“But any decision-makers in the NFL, they don’t really care. It’s all people who don’t coach, and they don’t coach for a reason.”
Campbell said he got measured again at LSU’s pro day because he didn’t think the results from the Scouting Combine were correct. The difference might be marginal, but it could change the perception of whether teams view him as a tackle or a guard.
The Patriots, who have checked off many needs this offseason, still have a large void to fill at their left tackle spot. It’s really the only position of need they have yet to address in any way. Campbell could slot in there for New England if it isn’t scared off by the arm length.
The Patriots certainly are doing their due diligence on Campbell. Campbell revealed he already visited with the Patriots.
Campbell also said he met with two teams that see him more as a guard because they already have tackles. It doesn’t seem like that was the Patriots, who could make Campbell their franchise left tackle. Campbell certainly believes he can live up to that billing.
“Everybody knows what position I play, and everybody knows my mindset on that,” Campbell said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win and get on the field as early as possible. But everybody knows that I can play tackle.”
