25 Aug Preseason Scouting Notes: Kyree Campbell, DL, Florida
Senior | 6’3” 304 lbs | Woodbridge, VA
A reliable tackler with quick hands and strength in the run game who needs to show he can be effective as a pass rusher
Overview:
A 3-star recruit and No. 1 overall ranked player out of Virginia, Kyree Campbell has started 24 out of his 33 collegiate games for the Gators. He attended Wyoming Seminary College Prep school after high school for a year before enrolling at Florida in 2017. In 2019, he finished 5th among the team with 39 total tackles. Having seeing playing time as a true freshman in 2017, he gained a starting role for Florida in 2018 and didn’t look back in Florida’s 3-4 scheme. He’s lined up anywhere between the offensive tackles among the defensive line as a 1-gap or 2-gap defender. With Campbell’s return, Florida brings experience on the defensive side as they look to contend against Georgia in the SEC East as they look to get to the SEC Championship game after a 3-year absence.
Strengths:
– Shows a quick get-off at the snap while maintaining low pad level
– Overall use of hands against the run, keeping himself clean. Shows quick hands and precise strike location, and ability to swipe hands away
– Strength and stable base/anchor to stalemate opponents and maintain his gap against the run. Shows power to condense the hole
– Reliable tackler with good wrap up strength to take down ball carriers
– Quickness to slant towards gaps and be used as a looper
– Recognizes screens quickly
– High motor on every down
Areas to improve:
– Doesn’t get enough depth on his first step at times
– Recognizing and beating double teams is a problem at this point
– Simply relies on bull rush (adequate on its own), with no other moves in his tool belt
– Is often stagnant when reading the run. Doesn’t make an attempt to shed his block and make play on the ball
– Not often trusted to be on the field in in the red zone and on 3rd down opportunitiesSE
– Struggles shedding blocks against those with a strong grip
– Base gets skinny at times at the POA, leading him to get pushed off his spot
Injury concerns:
– Suffered knee injury vs Vanderbilt in 2017 (missed next two games)
– Suffered hand injury vs Miami (FL) in 2019 in 4th quarter (didn’t return to game, didn’t miss any games)
Projection:
Campbell provides value as a run defender due to his anchor and hand usage. He also adds versatility playing in various positions along the interior, and can contribute in a 1- or 2-gap role due to his size and quickness at the snap. With his inability to contribute effectively as a pass rusher, he would need to be taken out on 3rd downs. Teams running a 4-3 scheme looking to add depth at the defensive line could select him mid- to late-Day 3.
What to watch in 2020:
Despite the positives in defending the run, Campbell could still look to improve at neutralizing double teams and block shedding to make plays on the ball. The primary concern is his play in the passing game. He would need to add more pass rush moves in his arsenal and show he can be of worth at that side of the ball to become an every down defender. It would also help overall if he gained more ground on his initial step. If he can show some ability to rush the quarterback competently, he’ll be a rotational defender at best.
From El Paso, Texas where most of time is spent reading, swimming, and watching basketball and football games.
Entering 3rd year with Pro Football Focus, helping out with various processes.
Enjoys scribbling notes on NFL and College players, with the intent to hopefully work for an NFL team.