Bruce

Campbell

Another source described Campbell’s 2009 play on film as “terrible.” It’s worth noting that during Campbell’s post-workout interview Saturday, the NFL Network showed numerous clips of Campbell missing blocks and getting overpowered at the point of attack. NFLN’s Mike Lombardi, a former Raiders employee, predicts Campbell will be drafted by Al Davis at No. 8 overall.

White is no longer the Raiders beat reporter, so we’re taking this report with a grain of salt. Has Al Davis really gotten this predictable with his early first-round picks? After selecting JaMarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, and Darrius Heyward-Bey the past three years, it certainly seems that way.

“It’s the mental that will get him,” said one personnel director. “When he’s talking he’s not a quick thinker. He’s a very slow process guy. Somebody will have to tell him what to do all the time.” One scout called Campbell’s phenomenal combine “inconsequential” compared to his “awful” play on tape. In other words, he has “Al Davis” written all over him.

Many mocks had Maryland OT Bruce Campbell joining Oakland with the 8th overall pick, and it could still happen. McDonald mentions Rodger Saffold (another top Combine performer) and Vladimir Ducasse as other possible targets. He does not expect the Raiders to bite if Jimmy Clausen is available.

A “workout warrior” during the 2010 Scouting Combine, Campbell was drafted by Al Davis two Aprils ago after running a 4.85 forty at 6-foot-6 3/8 and 314 pounds. He has freakish, 36 1/4-inch arms, but remains a major project going on age 24. Campbell never made a start in two seasons with the Raiders. He’ll have to compete for a role as a backup, swing-type tackle in Carolina.

The Raiders are likely hoping that Khalif Barnes or project rookie Bruce Campbell will beat out Carlisle, but we don’t see it happening. Carlisle, entering his age-33 season, will get the chance to stave off his decline.

This confirms reports that Campbell was nowhere close to taking over as the team’s starting right guard. WR Louis Murphy, TE Kevin Boss and S Michael Mitchell were all declared out prior to Monday’s contest. WR Derek Hagan was unable to crack a deep wide receiver rotation. TE Davis Ausberry and LB Bruce Davis round out the inactives.

A workout wonder and 2010 fourth-round pick, Campbell has played nine snaps on offense this season, two at left guard and seven as a tight end in jumbo packages. Still just 23 years old, Campbell remains purely a project.

Right guard Cooper Carlisle’s play has fallen off the past two years and left guard Robert Gallery is coming off back surgery, so Campbell could be valuable insurance. While he’s insanely athletic, he’s still far too raw to handle edge rushers as a rookie. It’s a smart move by Cable.

“Now I’m on the inside with a lot of help,” he said. “People would say it’s easier, but I don’t see it being easier right now.” Once Campbell gets comfortable, guard should be easier to learn. He still projects as a long-term tackle.