Wide receiver Parris Campbell will end up becoming the steal of the 2019 NFL Draft for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts made Campbell the 59th overall pick of the draft in April. The moment general manager Chris Ballard and Co. drafted Campbell; you just knew he was a rookie who represented the Colts' horseshoe from the get-go. You just knew it.
Campbell set an Ohio State school record with 90 receptions in his fifth year. He also hauled in 12 touchdown passes from Dwayne Haskins in the 2018 NCAA season. He became just the fifth Buckeyes player to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season (1,063), per the school's official athletics website.
With the 59th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select Parris Campbell, Ohio State! pic.twitter.com/CYQeVbaoB0
— Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) April 27, 2019
Campbell's 143 receptions rank him seventh all-time in Ohio State Buckeyes school history. His 1,768 yards also ranks him 15th all-time, per OhioStateBuckeyes.com.
Parris Campbell was one of those draft prospects who flew under the scouts' radar. The good news for Colts fans: he's now a member of the Horseshoe. He should become a valuable contributor for years to come.
Let's check out some of the reasons why Parris Campbell was the steal of the Indianapolis Colts' 2019 NFL Draft.
Speed
If you want a speedy wideout, Campbell fits the bill perfectly. He recorded a 4.31 40-yard dash time in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indy last March. 1070TheFan.com's Kevin Bowen confirms Campbell's finish was “the fastest of any wide receiver.”
Don't act surprised: Campbell was a former track star who “powered SVSM to the 2013 Ohio State outdoor track and field championship,” per the Buckeyes' official athletics website.
For his part, Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich spoke highly of his prized rookie, per Bowen.
You've got a guy who was a former running back, but has wide receiver skill and runs 4.31. Every time he touches the ball, he's a threat to go the distance. It will be fun to see him develop.
Reich described Campbell's role in the Colts' offense perfectly. Imagine quarterback Andrew Luck completing a high-percentage dump pass on a drag route to Campbell, who can rack up yardage with his blazing speed.
Campbell himself told Bowen he “couldn't be a more perfect fit” in the Colts' offense. His exceptional speed is one of the reasons.
Slot Receiving Abilities
Parris Campbell's slot receiving abilities set himself apart from other wide receivers. Reich spoke highly of Campbell as a slot receiver, per Jake Arthur of the Colts' official website.
Well, Chris (Ballard) will tell you the first time I saw him on film, I have my eye – there were several guys, Parris was the one guy that really jumped off the tape to me.
Just his explosiveness. Playing in the slot, you see all the things he can do, but I really saw some abilities in him that I thought translate and make him not just a slot receiver that you can do a lot of different things with him.
Plus, Campbell topped other draft-eligible Big 10 wide receivers in terms of slot yards per route run average. His 3.44 slot yards per route run during the 2018 NCAA season easily topped his closest pursuer, the Northwestern Wildcats' Flynn Nagel (1.99). Campbell is certainly a cut above other rookies when it comes to slot yardage.
Parris Campbell is a welcome addition to the Colts' receiving corp! pic.twitter.com/Lkrjww6g1W
— PFF (@PFF) June 1, 2019
The Colts finished seventh in total offense (6,179 yards), sixth in passing offense (4,461 yards), and third in receiving yardage (4,595 yards) last season. With Campbell in the fold, they should easily make the Top 5 in each statistical category.
The reason: Campbell's presence gives Luck a reliable weapon in the slot.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Parris Campbell's breakneck speed and outstanding slot receiving abilities make him an exceptional draft pick for the Indianapolis Colts. Plus, Reich also gushed about his “high character.” You put everything together; you have a star in the making.
Campbell gives Devon Funchess stiff competition for the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver spot behind T.Y. Hilton. He's just that good. Funchess may have the advantage in terms of size (6'4″, 225 lbs.), but Campbell has the edge in terms of speed. It should be interesting to find out who Reich will start alongside Hilton.
Regardless of Reich's decision, expect Parris Campbell to exceed all expectations in his rookie year with the Indianapolis Colts.
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